6 ATV Riding Mistakes that Lead to Accidents

Don’t be surprised if you keep coming across various ATV mishaps on the internet. Though they are amongst the safest off-road vehicle options, being too careless while driving can always lead to accidents.

Also, most people think that ATV accidents only happen to inexperienced riders. But the truth is that even the most experienced riders with years of experience and the best atv and deviant race parts can make mistakes that can make them regret those mistakes later.

This blog post will discuss some of the most common ATV riding mistakes that lead to accidents.

Take a look.

Riding Without ATV training

Many people are inclined to ride their new ATV as soon as they get it. Some reasons behind this may be, “I want to learn along the way”, “It will be more fun that way,” or simply “I want to ride it now”.

If you’re a novice rider, you should know that ATV riding could be riskier than driving a car on the road. That’s because you’re going off-road, and many factors need your focus. You can easily make mistakes or lose control of your ATV on rough terrain.

You don’t want to end up like riders who were seriously injured because they decided not to take an ATV training course.

Not Wearing Protective Gear

While we can’t stress enough how important it is to wear a helmet and riding boots, there are also other pieces of ATV safety equipment that you should not forget about.

Here’s a list:

  • Riding gloves (for added grip).
  • Goggles (protects your eyes against dust and debris while riding on an open range).
  • Chest protector (protects you from chest injuries).

If you’re riding with others, make sure that they also wear protective gear. It will reduce their risk of injury in case of an accident.

Riding Too Fast and Too Far

Many ATV riders tend to ride at high speeds and take their off-road vehicle further than they should. For example, it is common for inexperienced riders to head out on trails clearly marked as “for advanced drivers only”.

Also, riding across rough terrain with numerous obstacles such as rocks, roots and bumps is a common mistake made by both new and experienced riders. It can lead to your ATV flipping over, resulting in serious injuries such as head trauma and neck injuries.

Also, it’s important to use the right ATV for the right terrain. For example, if you’re planning on cruising the beaches, a dune buggy could be the best option.

Riding on Slopes with Steep Inclines

Riding your ATV on an incline is extremely dangerous, especially if you are a beginner. It can lead to tip-overs and result in injuries to both you and other people riding with you. If you’re not an experienced rider, it’s best to avoid riding your ATV up and down slopes that are steeper than 20 degrees.

Riding Too Close to Other Riders

Many think that riding in a group is safer since more eyes on the trail means better awareness and coverage. But this isn’t always true as it can result in inexperienced riders riding too close to each other. In such a situation, if one rider stops suddenly, it can lead to a “chain reaction” of ATVs crashing into each other.

A safer option would be for riders to spread out wide enough so that there’s no risk of them running over one another. It will reduce the chances of rollovers, collisions and injuries too.

Not Using Seat Belts or Not Using Them Correctly

In case you didn’t know, most ATVs have a 3-point harness as standard equipment. The main purpose of these lap and shoulder belts is to secure the rider and reduce movement during an accident or if your ATV flips over.

Many riders don’t wear seatbelts properly because they tend to put them over their shoulders and under their arms. This is the wrong way to wear one as it can cause injuries. If you’re using a 3-point harness, it’s best to secure it over your hips and across your chest.

Which tip did you find the most useful? Tell us in the comments!