Originally, motorsports in America were mainly about motocross, NASCAR, or drag racing. Today, they often involve motorcycles or all-terrain vehicles (ATVs).
August is Motorsports Awareness month in the U.S. This is a time for promoting the enjoyment of motorsports and for educating people regarding safety. It is also an excellent time of year for motorcycle road trips or exploring trails on ATVs. These common-sense safety tips can help keep children, young adults, and all motorsports participants safe on the road or trails.
- Take a motorsports safety course: These courses are available for ATV riders, motorcyclists, and all types of racers. They can help reduce the number of accidents and injuries.
- Stay off paved roads on ATVs: All-terrain vehicles are designed for off-road use only.
- Look over all of your equipment before you set out on a ride: This includes checking to make sure you have enough gas for the trip.
- Never allow children under the age of 16 to ride adult ATVs: Most ATV injuries involve children.
- Make yourself as visible as possible on a motorcycle: Many crashes involving a motorcycle and a passenger vehicle occur because the driver failed to register the motorcyclist in the roadway.
- Wear a proper helmet and protective gear: Go for quality over cost savings when it comes to protective equipment. Protecting your body from injury is well worth the additional cost. ATV safety equipment should include helmet, goggles, gloves, long sleeves, long pants, and thick boots.
- Never drink while riding or driving: Alcohol consumption slows response time, impairs judgment, and significantly increases the likelihood of a crash.
- Don’t take a passenger on an ATV: Unlike motorcycles, many ATVs are not designed to carry passengers. When riding an ATV, you need to shift your weight in different directions to maintain control. This becomes more difficult with an additional person on board.
- Pay careful attention to trail conditions on an ATV: All trails are different to begin with, and rain or other weather can drastically alter their condition. Take all factors into consideration in adjusting your speed and deciding which route to take.
- Ride all-terrain vehicles in the daytime (or on a well-lit track): It is much more difficult to accurately judge a trail in the dark.
- Watch your speed: Control of an ATV corresponds directly to how fast you are going.
- Ride within the limits of your own skill: Do not attempt tricks or stunts you are not qualified to perform safely.
- Make sure you can call for help in case of a crash: Cell phones may not work in some off-road areas for ATV riding. Ensure your cell phone is charged, carry a portable charger, and find a method by which you can contact emergency medical care should the need arise.
Taking the right safety precautions can help protect you and your family from accidents and injuries while you are enjoying your favorite motorsports. But accidents can still happen, despite our best safety efforts. Our agent can help ensure you have the right ATV insurance, motorcycle insurance, or car insurance to provide the protection you need in case an accident should occur.