Helmets

While there is always a certain amount of risk associated with operating and riding an all-terrain vehicle, statistics indicate that both deaths and injuries are falling. According to ATVSafety.gov, 2009 saw less ATV fatalities than any other year in the last decade. Most of the reason for these improvements is better education and the more wide-spread use of helmets. Helmets are now an essential part of the riding gear of any ATV aficionado.

Though helmets are definitely necessary for safety, there are numerous types of ATVs, each with their own specifications. For example, a golf cart is not designed to operate at high speeds; instead, this vehicle is a leisurely way to get around a large piece of property. On the other hand, a four-wheeler often covers rough terrain and riders can reach speeds that are potentially dangerous. Because of this, not every helmet is right for each type of vehicle. Your needs will ultimately depend on what machine you are operating and how it is being used. For those that plan on doing a lot of back-road riding, a hard head covering such as a motorcycle helmet is recommended. Depending on the design, these may be open to the face or have a plastic face guard to provide greater protection. You can also choose to wear an off-road helmet. These usually feature a streamlined design that completely wraps around the face of the wearer. This design protects the head of the operator, as well as the face and chin.

Once you have the right helmet for your needs, it's important that all of your riding gear functions properly and is comfortable to wear; just throwing on the helmet may not be enough for a full day of riding ease. Luckily, there are plenty of ATV helmet accessories that can provide greater protection, while also increasing your comfort. Helmet liners and face masks, for example, cover critical areas of your face and also keep your head dry. It is also important to ensure that your plastic face guard fits properly and provides enough visibility; if the plastic shield becomes scratched, it should be replaced.

While most ATVs are sold with a minimum recommended age requirement for both operators and riders, that doesn't mean that everyone reads the manual and follows recommendations. If you do ride on an ATV with a child, always ensure that there is a properly fitted helmet available. Keep in mind that, while they do provide some protection, kids bicycle helmets are not designed for the speed and rigors of ATV riding and are not sufficient protection for young riders. Despite improving statistics, ATV accidents still happen. Using the correct helmet will ensure that all riders, including children, are properly protected.