Riding ATVs can be a thrilling hobby. However, it can also be a dangerous one, with around 135,000 people being injured in ATV accidents every year. To stay safe while riding ATVs, there are a few vital safety tips that you need to follow. From wearing the right gear to inspecting your vehicle, here are five tips that will help keep you safe on an ATV.

1. Wear Appropriate Safety Gear

Like motorcyclists, ATV riders need to wear the right safety gear. This starts with wearing a DOT-approved helmet to protect against head injuries. Durable clothing, gloves, and boots can also help prevent minor injuries like scrapes and cuts. Goggles are important as well; they help keep dust and debris out of your eyes.

2. Know Your Terrain

It's always a good idea to familiarize yourself with the trail/area where you'll be riding. Each type of terrain requires different riding techniques. Scouting your route out ahead of time will also help you identify any potential hazards you need to know about, such as large rocks, tree roots, or gullies.

3. Always Ride at a Safe Speed

Some ATVs are capable of reaching speeds as high as 90 mph. However, traveling at unnecessarily high speeds on an ATV can cause risk of serious injury. It's always best to avoid traveling at excessive speeds, especially when you are riding on unfamiliar or challenging terrain.

4. Inspect Your ATV Before Riding

Before you take your ATV out for a ride, it's always a good idea to give it a quick inspection. Make sure that your brakes and lights are functioning properly, your tires have enough air in them, and your fluid levels are correct. If you notice any signs of mechanical issues during your pre-ride inspection, be sure to have them fixed by a mechanic who is experienced with ATVs before you take the vehicle out again.

5. Avoid Riding on Paved Roads

ATVs are off-road vehicles and are not designed for use on paved roads. One reason is that most ATVs lack safety features that are vital when you are sharing the road with other drivers, such as blinkers and rearview mirrors. Many ATVs are also not capable of safely traveling at the speeds required of vehicles on a highway. For these reasons, riding an ATV on a paved road is not only unsafe but illegal in most states.

At National General, nothing is more important to us than helping to keep drivers safe—no matter what type of vehicle they drive. The next time you take your ATV out for an off-road adventure, be sure to follow these tips to help enjoy your ride!