UTV Safety Tips
Utility terrain vehicles (also known as utility tasks vehicles, as well as by their nickname side-by-sides) are built to be powerful, durable and versatile. They’ve seen a steady rise in popularity because they can be used for both recreation and work. These machines have outsized suspensions and motors that allow them to handle the roughest terrain. This also means that riding these machines can be dangerous so you should make sure that safety is always a priority.
As your local UTV dealer, we want all UTV riders to stay safe while operating their machines, which is why we’ve compiled these tips on UTV safety. If you’re still looking for the right UTV, come to Big St. Charles Motorsports in St. Charles and we’ll show you what we have in stock. If you’re looking for UTVs for sale near St. Louis and St. Peters, get in touch with us today.
Dress Right
When you’re going to be riding fast on rough terrain, you need to start by wearing the appropriate gear. A helmet with a high crash test rating will protect your head if you’re ever thrown off your side by side. If you don’t want to wear a heavy helmet with a face shield, look into motocross helmets. Make sure to invest in a good pair of goggles so your eyes are protected from flying dust, debris and pebbles. Also, get a pair of sturdy gloves and boots for your UTV adventures.
Gear to Carry
When you’re off-road it isn’t easy to get access to tools to fix small issues that can crop up. You should keep a repair kit on your UTV, with tire patches, flashlight, screwdrivers, wrenches and an air compressor. Bring along a first-aid kit with bandages, ointments, painkillers, as well as any medication. You’ll want to bring both an emergency radio and your cell phone with its charger so you have a few ways to call for help if you have a problem. Ride with at least one other person so that you can look out for each other, too.
Follow the Rules
Yes, the rebels in us want to flaunt traditions and restrictions but remember that road rules were made to keep you and other commuters safe. When you’re on your UTV, you’re riding a powerful beast, which can be dangerous for yourself and others. If the area has any rules specifically for UTVs, make sure you obey them.
Never drive your side-by-side when you’re drowsy. Rough terrain especially requires you to make quick adjustments to stay safe; if you’re sleepy, you may not be able to respond in time. For this same reason, avoid driving when drunk. Anything that can impair your focus should be avoided when you’re out and about on your UTV.
The Right Machine
To make the most of your powersports outings, you should make sure you have the right powersports vehicle. Not all UTVs are made the same. It’s important to make sure that you know what the capabilities of your side by side are so you don’t put yourself into a dangerous situation. If your side-by-side can’t handle what you plan to do, see if you can modify/customize it.
If you use your UTV irresponsibly, you can injure yourself and permanently damage your machine. Towing a load that’s too heavy, trying to crawl an obstacle too large, or attempting to winch a load with the wrong UTV is a recipe for danger, and with the size and weight of a side-by-side, it doesn’t take much for a serious injury to occur. Always know your side-by-side’s limits and, if you’re unsure, an abundance of caution goes a long way.
We hope these tips keep you safe when you ride your UTV. For more information or to check out some quality UTVs for sale, visit our Missouri dealership in St. Charles. We have a wide selection of side-by-sides and our helpful staff will gladly guide you through the selection process. We welcome all those coming to visit us from St. Louis and St. Peters, MO.