The Importance of Protective Gear for ATV Riders: Gear Up for Safety and Comfort

When riding an ATV, safety and comfort should always come first. Operating an ATV without proper protective clothing significantly increases your chances of serious injury in the event of an accident. While no gear can offer 100% protection, wearing the right equipment can help prevent life-altering injuries and keep you riding comfortably. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a beginner, dressing like the pros can significantly impact your ride.

1. Helmets: Your First Line of Defense

The most important protective gear you can wear when riding an ATV is a quality-approved helmet. Helmets are designed to protect your head from serious injuries, and research shows that wearing one does not impair vision or hearing. Riding without a helmet dramatically increases your risk of severe head injury.

What to Look for in a Helmet

Helmets protect your head in two ways: the outer shell resists penetration and abrasion, while the inner liner absorbs shock by slowly collapsing under impact. This combination spreads the force of the impact across the helmet material, which helps reduce the severity of head injuries.

When choosing a helmet, look for stickers or labels that confirm the helmet meets the standards set by the Department of Transportation (DOT) or the Snell Memorial Foundation. These certifications ensure the helmet has undergone rigorous testing for:

• Impact Protection: The helmet’s ability to absorb shock during an impact.
• Penetration Resistance: The ability to withstand blows from sharp objects.
• Retention: The chin strap must stay securely fastened without stretching or breaking.
• Peripheral Vision: The helmet must provide a minimum of 120 degrees of side vision to each side (most people’s peripheral vision is between 110 and 115 degrees).

Choosing the Right Helmet for You

While colour, design, and price may influence your choice, protection should be your primary concern. A full-face helmet provides the most protection, covering your face and chin. Recent improvements in materials and ventilation have also made full-face helmets more comfortable. If you prefer an open-face helmet (three-quarter), it’s essential to add mouth and chin protection for adequate safety.

Regardless of style, make sure your helmet fits snugly and securely. A loose helmet won’t provide the protection you need and could come off during an accident. Permanently fasten your chin strap tightly to keep the helmet in place.

The Right Helmet for Kids

Children’s helmets are different from adult helmets. Never use a hockey, football, or skateboard helmet for ATV riding—these do not have the necessary energy absorption properties for motorized vehicles. Ensure that your child’s helmet fits properly. Do not use an adult-sized helmet that’s too large. Helmets for kids are available in various sizes, so check with your ATV dealer for the right fit.

Replacing Your Helmet

Helmets are not indestructible. If your helmet has been involved in an accident, it’s time to replace it. Many manufacturers offer inspection and repair services, but even if it looks fine, it may still be compromised after a crash. Also, manufacturers recommend replacing your helmet every two to four years due to natural wear and tear. Over time, padding compresses, straps fray, and the outer shell can become damaged, reducing effectiveness.

Helmet Care: Follow the manufacturer’s care instructions to keep your helmet in top condition. Avoid using petroleum-based cleaning products, which can damage the helmet’s materials. Stick to mild soap and water, and store your helmet in a cool, dry place to prolong its life.

1. Eye Protection: Keep Your Vision Clear

Operating an ATV without proper eye protection can result in a serious eye injury from rocks, branches, or insects. Regular sunglasses won’t cut it—they lack the durability for off-road riding. Instead, invest in goggles or a face shield to provide adequate protection.

Here’s what to look for in eye protection:

• Scratch-free lenses: Ensure your goggles or shield are free from scratches, as these can obstruct your vision.
• Standards Approval: Look for the VESC 8 or z87.1 markings indicating the eyewear meets safety standards.
• Ventilation: To prevent fogging, ensure your eye protection is well-ventilated.
• Tinted Lenses: To improve visibility, choose tinted lenses for bright days, clear lenses for nighttime, or yellow lenses for overcast conditions.

1. Gloves: Protect Your Hands

Gloves aren’t just for comfort—they offer protection from abrasions, cold, and vibration. High-quality off-road gloves provide the best combination of comfort and protection. They should have padded knuckles for added safety in case of a fall and fit snugly without restricting movement. Gloves also help reduce hand fatigue on longer rides, allowing you to grip the handlebars better.

1. Boots: Foot and Ankle Protection

When riding an ATV, your feet and ankles are vulnerable to injury. The minimum protective footwear is a pair of sturdy, over-the-ankle boots with low heels to help prevent slipping off the footrests. For the best protection, consider off-road ATV boots that offer coverage up to the calf. These boots are designed to protect your feet, ankles, and legs from impacts, abrasions, and twists, keeping you safe during challenging rides.

1. Clothing: Protect Your Skin

ATV riding can expose you to dirt, rocks, branches, and other hazards that can scratch or tear your skin. While protective gear is crucial, your clothing also plays a vital role in safety.

At a minimum, wear long pants and a long-sleeved shirt to shield your skin from abrasions. Off-road riding gear, such as jerseys, chest protectors, shoulder pads, and padded pants, provides significantly better protection from the elements and potential injuries. Knee and shin guards offer extra defence against falls and impacts.

In Summary: Gear Up for Safety and Comfort

Protective gear is essential to keeping you safe and comfortable while riding your ATV. Helmets, eye protection, gloves, boots, and protective clothing all work together to reduce the risk of injury and improve your riding experience. When choosing gear, prioritize safety, fit, and comfort over style or price, and remember that regular maintenance and replacement of your gear are crucial for long-term protection.

By following these guidelines and dressing like the pros, you’ll be better equipped to handle the challenges of ATV riding while minimizing the risks. Stay safe, stay comfortable, and enjoy the ride!