Is there anything better than spending a warm summer day in Nebraska on an ATV or UTV? Whether you take your machine out to ride the trails, check the fence line, or putz around the farm, make sure you prioritize safety. The Consumer Product Safety Commission states that there are hundreds of fatalities plus thousands of reported injuries associated with ATVs every year. While some accidents may be unpredictable, many are easy to avoid.
Here are five tips to keep in mind so you can enjoy your ride while keeping you, your passengers, and your machine safe.
1. Know Before You Go
Typically, Nebraska does not allow ATVs and UTVs on paved public roads. It’s for a good reason, too. They’re harder for drivers to control as they are not meant for paved surfaces, not to mention pavement is very rough on the off-road tires. It is allowed, but with caveats. Less than 30 mph, insurance required, headlights and taillights must be utilized while driving, and a 5-foot bicycle flag must be attached. The operator must be 16 years old with the proper permit or license.
2. Always Wear Protective Gear
Nebraska summers may lure you into thinking safety gear is a non-issue. But, the reality is that protective gear is essential and mitigates serious injury in an accident. A DOT-approved full-face helmet keeps your noggin protected. Long-sleeved shirts, long pants, gloves, and over-ankle height boots protect against scrapes and burns. If your helmet does not include a face shield, wear goggles as well. According to the ATV Safety Institute, inexpensive protective gear is easy to findd and should be considered a necessity, not an optional accessory.
3. Always Conduct a Safety Check Before Each Use
Five minutes of safety checks can save you hours of trail-time loss due to breakdowns, or worse, injury or death. Check your brake system to ensure everything is working properly, confirm the throttle isn’t stuck, and inspect the muffler for debris. It’s also essential to encompass the Forest Service-approved spark arrester to protect against fires during dry summer months, where wildfires are a larger risk.
4. Know Your Speed/Know Your Terrain
ATVs and UTVs can run at top speeds. However, their center of gravity can lead to tipping if driving too fast or going too fast on uneven terrain. Stay on marked ATV trails, don’t make sudden turns, stay at a reasonable speed, and be aware of the appropriate sizing for your height/weight (and that of passengers). Keep a safe distance from other ATVs/UTVs when on the trail to prevent distraction and/or accidents if someone needs to suddenly stop. The NE Community Collective warns that sometimes, assessing trails before driving can help avoid unsuspected roadblocks that can cause injury. While it doesn’t seem related to the terrain, you also need to consider the weather. If it’s been flooding, trails may be impassable. The elements matter for your safety and fun.
5. Insure Your ATV/UTV
Despite following all safety precautions, accidents still happen; insurance provides peace of mind for the vehicle and reimbursement for hospital bills/property damage. At Northeast Nebraska Insurance, we work with ATV/UTV riders to assess their insurance needs, whether the vehicles are used for farm work, recreational trail rides, or a combination of both. Additionally, since our agents are independent, they can find and customize the best coverage for you from a variety of insurance providers.
Soaking Up the Sun on Your ATV/UTV
Enjoy hot summer days, soaking up the sun, expansive trails, and exhilarating rides, but always remember, safety comes first every step of the way during every excursion. When you’re ready to insure yourself and your vehicle from any mishaps, reach out to one of our local independent agents in Sioux City and beyond. We’ll get you the coverage you need to ride with confidence this summer and fall.