When driving in any vehicle, various precautions must be taken. Whether you are driving a car, truck, RV, or a motorcycle, there are various safety tips and cautionary measures to take when behind the specific wheels or handlebars. An all-terrain vehicle is no exception. Driving an ATV can be full of its own thrills and excitements, along with the added component of endangerment to the driver or anyone in the vicinity. Like any other type of vehicle, liability issues do exist. Accidents happen, but it is the responsibility of the owner of the vehicle to do the best they can to ensure that the accidents occur with as little damage to their guests as possible. How is the best way to handle an ATV? What are the hazards, and the liability; and is liability insurance a good investment? About All-Terrain Vehicles All-terrain vehicles are vehicles that travel on low-pressure tires. The driver straddles themselves across the seat to steer via the handlebars. Accurately named, ATVs are meant to handle across a wider variety of terrain than other vehicles. Some places have strict rules about the location of the driving areas of an ATV. Simply looking at it would imply that it handles like a motorcycle on four wheels, and that would not be too far from the truth. The two extra wheels provide extra stability. Some ATVs are built to handle its driver and a passenger, although that opens the door for all kinds of liability issues. Other types of ATVs have three or even six wheels. Most ATVs can handle the vast amount of terrain due to the various treads on their tires. ATVs can travel over rocky, muddy, or land covered in roots. Due to the large variety of land the ATV can travel over, many biologists and environmental activists disapprove of the vehicle, which can cause sedimentation, detriment to forests, or the draining of bogs. ATVs, aside from their recreational use, can also be used for sport, in sporting events.The Safety and Hazards of an ATVLike any vehicle, an ATV can start as a harmless inanimate object one moment and turn into a dangerous chunk of metal the next. Always take precaution while riding, and be sure to treat it like you would any other vehicle. At its most basic description, an ATV is a motorcycle with more stability but less protection around the driver. Most ATV injuries are head injuries, so wearing a helmet is the most important safety precaution, as it may reduce the severity. Many fatalities have also occurred when ATVs attempt to drive on a paved road, something that an ATV was not truly built for. Treating the ATV with careful assurance can become a manageable experience that can be safe as well as fun.The Liability of an ATVThere are two types of liabilities in regards of an all-terrain vehicle: manufacturing liability and owner liability.Manufacturing liability occurs when there is an error or mechanical malfunction residing within the mechanics of the vehicle itself. These are issues that, even when all the proper safety precautions have been taken, these issues can damage not only the machine, but also the property and even the driver. While recalls help solve the issue, sometimes the problems that cause the recalls are a danger to their environment and driver.The other liability issue is owner liability. These are liability issues that may arise from the driver or owner of the ATV. If the owner allows a child too small to drive an adult-sized ATV, then the owner may be at fault if an accident were to occur. If a driver piled all of their friends on a single ATV and got into an accident where people were hurt, then the driver may be at fault for the injuries. If the ATV has not been properly maintained and another driver gets injured due to the poor maintenance, then the owner may be at fault.At its most basic, a liability issue can be stopped simply due to appropriate maintenance and attention. The owner of the ATV, as such, should take appropriate measures to ensure the safety of those around him. The driver of the ATV, as such, should be aware of the vehicle's, as well as their own, limitations. When handled safely and effectively, an ATV experience can be a recreational and fun.Driving Safely on an ATVDriving safely on an ATV is similar to taking correct precautions while driving any other vehicle, especially one in which you as the driver are not fully protected from your surrounding elements. Protective gear. Always wear a helmet that is appropriate according to your specific vehicle and is up to the standards of the most up to date regulations.Alcohol or medicine. Never drive an ATV under the influence of alcohol. Never drive an ATV, or any other vehicle, after taking medicine that may make you drowsy, and never drive when your state of mind is otherwise impaired.Passengers and drivers. Be sure that the driver of an ATV is large enough to handle the vehicle, and only bring passengers aboard if your vehicle is equipped to handle a passenger. Never pile extra people "where they can fit," as this causes a threat to yourself as the driver, your passengers, and a possible liability.Keep everything up to date. Make sure that your protective gear, registration, and insurance is all up to date. Be sure that your license plate is secure and carry proof of your license. Invest in a new helmet if you notice signs of denting or cracking.Functioning. Be sure to keep everything about your ATV functioning: lights, engine, brakes, tires, and any other parts. Make a check list of these parts to determine when things need to be fixed. Look over your vehicle both before you ride and after you ride.Know your environment. Know the terrain around you and the laws of your area that come with an ATV. Know whether you need to stick on or off of the road. Know your area's regulations, and do not attempt to ride during potentially dangerous weather.First aid. Keep a first aid kit with you at all times, including an emergency kit. You can even consider taking a first aid course. Your emergency kit should include a flashlight, insect repellant, sun block, a compass, tool kit, rope, flares, and a sharp knife. Be sure to keep these in a safe place that will not harm you while you drive.When interacting with any vehicle, various precautions must be enacted to create a general sense of safety. When in a car, the driver is responsible for its passengers in the same way as the driver of an all-terrain vehicle. Liability insurance is always a good investment, as accidents do occur. Utilize all cautionary procedures, such as proper gear and driving attire, and do not attempt to perform hazardous tricks on dangerous terrain. Do not attempt to drive in a way that would become a hazard to yourself or others, and be sure to avoid any signs of negligence. While all-terrain vehicles can be a risk, do not forget that it is also a recreational vehicle, and do not forget to have a good dose of safe fun.
