UTV Safety Tips
UTV riding is an exciting adventure, but it does come with safety risks. After all, you are taking a powerful side-by-side out into nature!
Use the following tips to set yourself up for a safe and successful trail ride. If you are looking to buy a UTV, check out the selection at A&H Sales & Service.
Wear the Appropriate Gear
Before you even get on your utility vehicle, make sure you’re wearing all the right gear. The most important safety equipment you can put on is your helmet with a high crash test rating. Even with a roll cage, an exposed head and face can be seriously injured in a crash, and head injuries are much harder to recover from. UTV helmets are pretty far and few between, but a favorite alternative is motocross helmets. They’re going to provide a more lightweight and breathable option for you, while still giving you the protection you need. Keep in mind, you might need to get goggles if there’s no face shield.
When it comes to the rest of your body, the bare minimum should be long pants, long sleeves, and sturdy shoes, as well as gloves if they’re going to be helpful to you. This can be the most practical option for those who are just heading out across their property to do some land work. If your thrills are a little more grueling, you can look into riding suits that provide you more protection.
Safety Gear to Carry
There’s some other gear you’ll want to keep with you, namely a first aid kit. This should include some of the basics for treating minor wounds, like bandages, over-the-counter painkillers, and ointments, along with any medication you or one of your fellow riders might need. Tools for getting out of a bind can be helpful as well, like tire patches, screwdrivers and wrenches, additional parts (if they fit), and a winch. Finally, if you’re hitting the trails, we hope you’ll never have to use it, but consider bringing along a survival kit. This should at least include a flashlight and emergency radio.
Be Flexible
Planning your day ahead of time can be important for efficiency and to help you prepare for the region you’ll be in. However, try to be flexible. If it starts to pour on you, you might want to forgo any extra trails you had planned. And always keep an eye out for trail hazards that might cause you to change your riding strategy.
Looking to buy a side-by-side? Check out the selection at A&H Sales & Service. We are based in Athens, Georgia, and also serve those in Atlanta.