ATV Off Road Tips

Four-Wheeling Off Road Tips

by T. J. Johnson

Publication Date: November 1996

Boats are not the only thing competing for the extra space in the garage alongside the family car. The newest addition to many homes is four-wheel all terrain vehicles (ATVs). Many families actually have a four- wheeler for each member of the family. This is fine if the budget will allow it. My fleet of four-wheelers consists of one. I enjoy riding it, but my teenage daughters like it even better than I do.

On a serious note, I have read several accounts this year of Kentucky residents being injured and even killed while operating four-wheelers. I don't know how many people read my column, but if one person learns enough from this article to prevent another death, it will be worth it.

First, let me clarify that I am not against four-wheelers; remember, I own one. I think that owning a four-wheeler is just like owning a gun. Without education and responsibility, someone is likely to be hurt. There are several precautions, that if taken, greatly decrease your odds of being injured while operating four-wheelers.

The audience I have chosen to target is parents. If you buy a four- wheeler, it is your responsibility to teach your child how to operate a four-wheeler safely. You can't do this if you don't know how yourself. If you allow them to learn by the old fashion method of trial and error, the first error may cost them their life. If you are not qualified to teach your children how to safely operate a four-wheeler, enroll them in a four-wheeler safety class sponsored by local dealers. If you can't afford the class, you can't afford the four-wheeler.

My biggest problem is not with my own children. They know how to operate a four-wheeler safely. My biggest concern is with their friends who want to ride our four-wheeler. Often, they beg to drive the four-wheeler, but have never been on one in their life. This is very dangerous. There is a lot of peer pressure on your child to say no to their friend's request. I have solved this problem by not allowing anyone outside the family to drive our four-wheeler without my supervision. They probably think I am mean and stingy, but I can live with that. It's better than

knowing that I could have prevented a serious injury. If you can't trust your children, remove the keys until you are home.

Every new four-wheeler comes with a manual and a booklet of safety facts. If you won't read these, I doubt you will read them here either. However, since I have your attention, there are a few essentials that might just save your life.

I would say the most violated rule in four-wheeling is failure to wear a helmet. Do you own a helmet? Do you own an extra helmet for friends? Do you insist your children wear helmets, but don't wear one yourself? Shame on you!

There is a sign on most four-wheelers warning you that it is unsafe to ride more than one person at a time. This sign is not for decoration. If you disobey the rules long enough, it will catch up with you. Obey all safety rules and enjoy your four-wheeler the way it was meant to be driven.