ATV Safety for Kids and Youth

Training Your Child? Consider These ATV Safety Tips

Say your child beams with excitement when you head out for your ATV rides – or, they ask if they can come with when you head out on your four-wheeler.

You might want to pass on your ATV riding hobby down to your child when they’re old enough, or you may be regularly pestered with questions like, “when will I be old enough to ride?!”

ATV riding is a great hobby that is often passed through generations. Still, it’s important to consider the safety-related consequences that youth face riding four-wheelers.

In this article, we’ll explain the importance of safety training for ATV-riding youth, and we’ll outline the steps that are necessary to take when helping your child learn the rules of the road – or, in this case, the terrain.

Why a Youth Might Benefit From ATV Riding

You know how thrilling it is to ride an ATV – so why wouldn’t you want to pass on the hobby to your children? Plus, learning to use an ATV can foster plenty of helpful skills, including:

Motor skills
Hand-eye coordination
Responsible driving
Safety and road/environmental awareness
Problem-solving

Safety First: The Most Prominent Dangers of ATV Riding

No matter what age you are, and no matter how skilled of a rider you are, you should be aware of the many safety risks associated with the activity.

Since you’re usually riding off-road, you’re at the hands of whatever environmental hazards you come across: tree branches, wildlife, hidden rocks, water and so much more. While most injuries are minor – scratches, bumps and bruises – it’s also common to face broken bones, concussions, and fractures.

Young riders should be particularly aware of these issues, as they are still learning how to use their ATV.

Things to Start Training On

Are you training a young ATV rider? These are three of the most important things to help them master.

Braking

This one may be pretty obvious: braking is a must-learn skill for anyone learning to operate a vehicle of any kind.

Throttle

A throttle may be complicated for someone who has never operated a motor-powered vehicle before – that’s why the ins and outs of throttle use make for an important lesson.

Turning

Many accidents happen during sharp turns. That’s why it’s important to practice turning, preferably in an open field with plenty of space at first.

More Safety Tips

Take a Training Course

While you may prefer running training sessions yourself, you might not always be able to dedicate yourself to this role. Fortunately, there are plenty of ATV safety courses in Canada. These courses are run by professional instructors who know exactly how to instill proper precautions in beginner and novice riders.

Get Safety Gear

Safety gear is always important, but it’s imperative for younger riders who are still learning the ropes. A helmet, gloves, boots and protective body gear are must-haves. Plus, a first aid kit should be brought with on every adventure.

Make an Emergency Plan

Before embarking on a trip, young riders should have an idea of what they will do when an emergency occurs. This is important to consider, as many people freeze up or go into shock when an unexpected accident happens.

Adult Supervision is a Must

No child should ever be operating an ATV without adult supervision – in fact, most regions have laws that ban these instances. Learn about the laws in your region for more information.

No Passengers

Young riders usually aren’t ready to be taking passengers with them, unless the passenger is training them and guiding them as they drive.

No Night Riding

Riding in daylight is significantly safer than riding at night. More light means more visibility, more ease in dealing with emergencies, and less troublesome wildlife. Try to plan practice runs so they take place when there is plenty of light.

Consider Vehicle Size

Usually, younger riders are better equipped to handle smaller ATVs with a smaller engine size. Larger vehicles are a little trickier to operate, which is why new riders should work their way up.

Follow the Law

Each region has its own laws that pertain to off-road vehicle riding. Before doing anything else, a new rider should familiarize themselves with these laws to have an understanding of what is permitted near them. This also instills better and safer riding habits.

Conclusion

Do you remember your first solo ATV trip? We encourage you to pass that thrill onto the next generation – just make sure you do it carefully. Consider the tips we’ve included above, and you’ll instill a sense of safety and critical thinking into your young budding ATV rider.