UTV Safety Tips
Utility terrain vehicles or UTVs are extremely useful vehicles to have around if you need to get work done on uneven ground or in tight spaces. Smaller than trucks and cars, they fit more easily onto construction sites and are more maneuverable and nimble. You can also have a lot of fun off-roading in a side by side with your friends and family on the weekends. Since these vehicles serve many purposes, owners of UTVs should be aware of the best practices for riding their UTVs safely. That’s why your local UTV dealer, Boehm Tractor Sales of Shiner, Texas, has created this list of UTV safety tips. Follow these and you’ll be able to operate your UTV with confidence while keeping everyone on board safe.
Stay Sober
One of the most important steps you can take while driving a UTV is remaining sober. Drinking alcohol or using recreational drugs impairs your focus severely, slows your reaction time and makes you more likely to attempt reckless maneuvers that could put you and others in serious danger. You wouldn’t drink before operating a passenger vehicle, so don’t drink before operating a side by side. Even certain prescription medications and health conditions can preclude you from safely operating a UTV, so check with your doctor if any of your medications warn against operating heavy machinery. Driving a UTV involves navigating many twists and turns and staying alert so that you don’t run into obstacles, and sobriety will help with all of this. Ride smart and stay sober.
Obtain The Right Gear
Another vital facet of UTV safety involves getting the correct gear and wearing it every time you ride. The most important piece of safety equipment on a side by side is a well-fitting helmet that is rated for extreme high-impact sports. Motorcycle helmets can work, but they’re often hot and heavy at the lower speeds obtained on a side by side. A motocross helmet will work very well, provided you also purchase a pair of goggles to protect your eyes from flying debris as you ride.
The rest of your attire should serve to protect you from bumps, bruises and scratches on and off the trail. Riding a UTV usually means navigating rocky terrain and going through underbrush, so wearing long pants and long sleeves will serve to limit damage to your skin. These clothes have the added benefit of protecting you from sunburn, too. Wear breathable natural fabrics to stay cool when it’s hot outside. Gloves and boots will help protect your appendages from harm, too.
You should also stock your UTV with some essential gear, such as a first aid kit with bandages, ointments and medications to treat minor illnesses and injuries. A repair kit with screwdrivers, wrenches and tire patches could come in handy. You should also have your cell phone with charger, an emergency radio, signal flares, a flashlight and plenty of water and some snacks.
Remain On Established Paths
Even when you’re off-roading, it helps to stay in tracks established by previous riders rather than trying to tackle an outcropping or rough area that you could get stuck or roll over on. Use a path cleared by construction equipment or cars when you’re driving on a job site to avoid difficult areas that could get you stuck. When you’re trail riding, it’s very important to remain on designated trails. Straying from them could damage the surrounding environment and endanger local wildlife. Be smart and follow the posted rules of the trail.
Still looking for the perfect side by side? Come to our Shiner dealership to view our full inventory. If you have any further questions or concerns about UTV safety, our experienced staff can help you out. Boehm Tractor Sales serves the greater Austin metro area as well as the cities of Seguin, Victoria, New Braunfels and Columbus, Texas.