UTV Safety Tips

Utility terrain vehicles have become a very commonplace means of transport for work crews as well as a fun vehicle for family off-road adventures. Regardless of how you choose to ride yours, it’s vital that you practice good safety. A side-by-side may seem relatively safe with its seatbelts and partial enclosure, but it’s still risky, especially when going over difficult terrain.

Magnum Power in Lawson is your Missouri UTV dealership. Read on to learn our best safety tips for riding in your side-by-side, whether for work or for recreational purposes.

Wear The Right Gear

Side-by-sides necessitate that you wear the proper gear for the task. Every passenger on your UTV should wear a well-fitting helmet that has high crash-test ratings. Generally speaking, there aren’t a lot of helmets specifically designed for UTV riding, which is why many riders wear motocross and motorcycle helmets. If your helmet lacks a full face mask, be sure to invest in a pair of goggles for eye protection from flying debris, dust, wind and branches.

In addition to your helmet, wear long sleeves and pants in a sturdy fabric that can help protect you from abrasions if you take a fall or pass by brambles. These clothes can also protect your skin from the sun so that you don’t have to lather up with sunscreen.

Wear a pair of riding gloves with good grip and ankle boots with good tread to make sure that you have the traction you need. Young riders may require chest plates or other additional protective gear to stay safe.

Pack Your UTV

You should stock your side-by-side with food, water, a toolkit, an emergency radio, a first-aid kit, a spare tire, an air compressor, a flashlight and your cell phone with its charger. Carrying these items will ensure that you are prepared to handle any disaster that you come across. Make use of the cargo bay and storage areas on your side-by-side to keep everything organized.

Don’t Take Risks

Riding in an unsafe manner is inadvisable, not only for your own safety, but for that of your passengers and anyone else around you. Be respectful of riding areas and their rules and don’t stray from established paths to avoid harming wildlife or the surrounding environment. Don’t attempt to ride in any areas that seem like they are above your experience level, as you could seriously injure yourself or others. Trying to ride in very poor weather or at night is also too dangerous, so make sure you check the forecast in advance and keep track of time while you’re riding.

Know Your Limits

If you feel you need to take a break, make sure to take one. It’s no good to keep riding if you’re fatigued or too hot or too cold. Be sure to stop your ride and seek shelter if the weather turns poor, too. You’ll want to have snacks and drink water when you’re taking a break, too, so that you have enough energy to keep going as well as remaining hydrated. Never ride if you’re too tired or too sick to focus properly. If carrying a heavy payload behind your UTV, make sure that you have secured it well and that your UTV is capable of handling it.

We hope these tips help you to stay safe while riding your UTV, wherever you choose to do so. Seeking side-by-sides in Clay County, Missouri? Come on by our dealership in Lawson, Missouri, to take a look at our current stock of new and used UTVs for sale. Magnum Power proudly serves the greater Kansas City metro area.