UTV Safety
The most important part of a UTV ride is safety. But knowing safety is valuable is one thing. Knowing how to prepare for a safe ride is another! That's why we gathered up our favorite safe side-by-side riding tips below. If you have any questions or want to shop utility vehicles for sale, visit Bobcat of York, Frederick, Hagerstown, Lancaster, and Adams County. We offer dealerships in Pennsylvania and Maryland.
Wear Safety Gear
UTV riding involves taking a powerful vehicle into unpredictable nature. You'll want plenty of protective gear in the event that you crash! Without the right clothing, you could end up with more severe injuries.
Make sure to get:
- A well-fitting and crash-tested helmet
- A form of eye protection, such as goggles or a face mask
- Gloves, which helps improve your grip and your ability to control the UTV
- Sturdy riding shoes that cover your ankles
- Durable full-length clothing that protects your skin
Pack Safety Gear
Side-by-sides tend to offer lots of storage space. You can sacrifice a bit of room for safety gear.
Make sure that you have:
- A first aid kit containing bandages, ointments, and over-the-counter medications for minor illnesses
- A UTV repair kit containing tire patches, screwdrivers, wrenches, a flashlight, and an air compressor for inflating tires during the ride
- An emergency radio, which is a communications backup if your cell phone stops working
- A GPS that is not connected to your phone, which can be a backup in case your phone maps fail to load
Adjust The Ride Accordingly
Each UTV ride is unique based on the time of day, the weather, the trail, the number of other riders nearby, your experience level, and so on. Always stay alert to the given ride's characteristics and alter your riding as needed.
For example, maybe there is excess fog in the area that hurts your visibility. Or maybe there was a recent storm and there could be obstacles, such as fallen logs, on the trail. There are many cases where you should reduce your speed to compensate for increased risk.
Maintain The Side-By-Side
The better you maintain your UTV, the better it will operate and the safer your rides will be.
It starts with proactive maintenance. Check the owner's manual, which will cover suggested tasks and offer a recommended schedule.
You'll also want to regularly inspect your utility vehicle. Look over the various parts and see if any need fixing or replacing. For example, check tires for any bald spots or objects stuck inside them. Then, check the fluid levels and top off as needed. Go for a quick test ride to ensure the brakes, lights, and other parts are working properly. It's much better to discover an issue at home than on the open trail!
Stay On The Trail
Sure, utility vehicles are designed for the off-road. But that doesn't mean you should ride anywhere you please. The trail is established for a reason! It tells you where you can safely ride. There could be hazardous obstacles lurking only a few feet off the trail - and you don't want to end up with expensive UTV damage or painful injury finding that out. Stick to the trail and enjoy a thrilling, safe ride.
We hope you found this article helpful. If you are in the market for a utility vehicle, check out the models at Bobcat of York, Frederick, Hagerstown, Lancaster, and Adams County. We sell a range of UTVs for sale, making it easy to find your perfect match. We have dealerships throughout Pennsylvania and Maryland. Stop by and visit or explore our online selection today!