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ATV Safety Rules for Kids

All-Terrain Vehicles, or ATVs, are designed to be a lot of fun for old and young alike. However, they can also be dangerous if the proper precautions aren't taken to ensure a safe ride, especially for younger riders. Here are a few basic safety rules to make sure your ATV-riding experience is a safe and happy one.

  1. Obey the Laws

    • Almost every state has laws regarding the use of ATVs. These include, but aren't limited to, banned use on public highways as well as at night, licensing and registration requirements and supervision of children by responsible adults. States who've enacted these laws have a significantly lower ATV-caused death rate than other states.

      The American Association of Pediatrics recommends that children under 16 years of age not drive ATVs since this population makes up a large portion of people injured or killed each year on ATVs.

    Dress Properly

    • Having your child wear protective gear, such as a helmet and proper eye protection, will greatly improve the safety of your child. Make sure your child is wearing proper clothing for an activity of this nature (not a swimming suit and flip flops) to protect their skin. Clothing that is reflective is also a wise idea.

    Choose a Safe ATV

    • There are many different ATVs out there with a variety of features. When shopping, choose one with added safety features, created to keep riders safe. Some more basic safety options include headlights, roll bars, speed governors and even seat belts.

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