ATV safety has become a growing concern in recent years, especially in Upstate New York. Open roads, remote neighborhoods, and the wide-stretching terrain found throughout Upstate New York tends to attract ATV riders from all over the Northeast.
While riding an ATV can be a safe, enjoyable activity, it can also be extremely dangerous. You’ll find countless videos of risky ATV riders going the wrong way on one-way roads, popping wheelies, and doing other stunts on popular social media outlets like Facebook and YouTube. These social media daredevils have seemed to inspire other riders to attempt dangerous stunts as well.
When ATV riders choose to ignore safety precautions, they put themselves, other riders, and others on the road and in their vicinity at risk for serious injury. Officials in New York are aware of the hazards dangerous ATV drivers present the community with, and have begun to find creative ways to combat dangerous riders. Albany Police Chief, Eric Hawkins, says the Albany P.D. is launching a number of initiatives, including using undercover officers and drones.
If you are an ATV driver we encourage you to be a safety advocate and to help keep your community safe. Below are safety tips to follow and share with fellow riders:
1. Do not drive ATVs on paved roads. ATVs should be enjoyed on designated paths. Riding your ATV on a paved road could easily cause a crash.
2. Wear a helmet when driving a ATV or riding on an ATV. If you fail to wear a helmet while on an ATV you put yourself at risk for sustaining a serious head injury, such as a traumatic brain injury.
3. Take a safety course or training course for ATVs. These courses can protect yourself and others from serious injuries.
We encourage you to enjoy your time on your ATV in a safe and fun manner. If you or someone you know has been seriously injured in an ATV crash through no fault of your own contact us today.