All-terrain vehicles are unique assets. They provide both personal and professional benefits. While ATVs offer fun and excitement, they can also be dangerous. You could suffer a serious injury if you are involved in an ATV accident. It's recommended that you follow all of the safety guidelines before operating an ATV. Here's a closer look at why safety is so important.
ATV experts recommended lengthy hours of practice riding through smaller areas before attempting to climb a hill or other difficult obstacles. This is an especially important tip for business owners who utilize ATVs to complete tasks. It's recommended that business owners administer training courses for all employees before they are allowed to operate an ATV. Research your state government to see if there are any official ATV safety courses that your employees can attend. You're also encouraged to include ATV safety information in the official employee handbook.
ATV certification is a requirement to use the vehicle in some industries. Some industries rely on ATVs to handle surveillance issues. Law enforcement has utilized ATVs to help solve cases. Farm workers use ATVs to assist with cattle maintenance. In recent years, electric gas companies have started utilizing ATVs to complete tasks.
Single-seat ATVs show that there are no foot wells or grab handles for passengers, which presents a safety hazard. It's easy for someone's leg to hit an object, causing a serious injury. If your passenger sustains an injury, they could grab you and cause you to lose control of the vehicle, causing a fatal injury. It's recommended that you avoid installing a cargo box on the back of your ATV to help create room for a passenger. The gravity will shift because of the extra weight, which makes it harder for you to control the vehicle. Some companies have explored utilizing two-up ATVs. Two-up ATVs have the ability to appropriately store the weight of multiple people. A two-up ATV has an extended wheelbase and tighter rear suspension. There are also multiple grabs handles to keep you and your passenger safe.
If you're riding an ATV, it's recommended that you wear a helmet at all times. It is one of the easiest ways to keep ATV operators safe. Research shows that close to 40 percent of ATV fatalities occur because the rider wasn't wearing a helmet. As an ATV rider, there are multiple helmet options to consider. The full-face helmet covers your face and chin. Open-face helmets protect the chin and head. It's also recommended that professional riders wear a safety-approved helmet with a high safety rating, according to the ATV Safety Institute. You can contact the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. In addition to protective helmets, employees are also encouraged to wear protective eyewear, boots, and gloves. It's also recommended that all ATV drivers avoid operating the vehicle while impaired. Research shows that over 50 percent of ATV-based fatalities during the last decade were related to alcohol and drugs.
These important tips can help keep ATV operators safe. It's recommended that you inform and train all of your employees about different safety guidelines before allowing them to operate an ATV. If you want to purchase auto insurance for your ATV, contact us today. The experts here at Humble Insurance Group will help you find the right policy to protect your investment.
