6 Safety Tips for Kids Using ATVs

by Collin Basinger

Off-road riding is an incredibly enjoyable outdoor activity, especially when you do it with friends and family. Riding an ATV is fast-paced and fun and allows you to explore rough terrain that you’ve never seen before.

 

ATVs and four-wheelers are available in all shapes and sizes—including ones small enough for kids! Of course, as with any activity involving children, safety should be your very first priority. Here are six simple safety tips for kids and ATVs:

 

  1. Safety Training

 

There are ATV safety training courses available from riders of all age levels: youth (6 to 11 years), teens (12 to 15), adults (16 and older), and families with kids (children six years and older).

 

Youth training courses require parents to be present, so this is an activity the whole family can participate in! You can learn all about ATV safety training to prepare you for your next family adventure.

 

  1. Complete Protective Gear

 

All members of your family should wear complete protective gear on every ride. Even if some of you are older and more experienced, you should set a good example for the children in your group.

 

You need a high-quality motorcycle helmet that passes US Department of Transportation standards. Make sure to check that the helmet is neither too tight nor too loose on the child’s head. You also need safety goggles, gloves, boots, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt. If you have any skin exposed as you ride, you are vulnerable to cuts, scrapes, and burns.

 

  1. Choose the Correct ATV

 

ATVs come in many shapes and sizes, and each comes with minimum age recommendations. Make sure your child is the correct age and weight for the ATV that they are using. Kids’ four wheelers with 70cc engines have the right size and power for children below six. ATVs with over 90cc engines are recommended for people at least 16 years of age.

 

Before going off-road, make sure that your child can control the ATV that he or she will be using. Adequate practice and training are necessary before taking them to a campsite or any other rugged outdoor location.

 

  1. Constant Supervision

 

The mix of rugged terrain and ATVs can be very dangerous for children. Even if they are fully trained and capable of driving themselves, they still should not be allowed to go off on their own without supervision. Even if you can’t go with them personally, there should be at least one adult to keep an eye on them at all times.

 

  1. Drive in Daylight

 

ATV drivers of any age should not go off into rough terrain at night. Going anywhere in the dark is incredibly dangerous, and drivers could very easily get lost. If you and your family are going out for a drive, make sure that you will be back on familiar ground before the sun is fully set.

 

  1. Slow and Steady

 

Unfamiliar, unpaved roads and speed do not mix well. Driving an ATV at high speeds is dangerous and puts you at great risk for accidents. Make sure that your child knows not to drive the ATV too fast no matter where they’re going.

 

Conclusion

 

Off-roading is a great bonding activity for you and your family. You can spend hours having adventures together up in the mountains, with no one else to disturb you. If you are going to let your children drive their own ATV, you should make sure that they are as safe as possible. These six simple safety tips will ensure that your ATV adventures are all fun and no worries!

 

Are you looking for an ATV dealer near you? Tribal Motorsports is a US-based dealer that offers the best selection of affordable kid and adult ATVs, dirt bikes, go-karts, and more. We have full parts in stock, technical support, and 12-month warranty options. Order from us today!
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