| All-Terrain Vehicles, otherwise known as ATVs, have | | | | Your child should always wear protective clothing and |
| grown in popularity among kids over the past few | | | | gear for ATV safety, whether he or she is in the |
| years. Youth ATV riding is a fun, adventurous, | | | | backyard or on a trail. Along with a helmet and |
| recreational activity that kids of all ages can enjoy | | | | full-face mask, your child should wear a long-sleeve |
| with proper gear and training. The following ATV | | | | shirt, boots, gloves, pants, knee pads and a jacket or |
| safety tips for kids will help your child learn proper | | | | vest. All protective gear should fit properly. |
| ATV operation. | | | | Make sure your child rides in a group. |
| Know your state's ATV riding laws. | | | | One of the most important ATV safety rules is to |
| The laws regarding youth ATV riding differ among all | | | | never ride alone. Your child should always be |
| 50 states. Check with your state to find out the legal | | | | accompanied by an experienced adult. For added |
| riding age, riding regulations including legal locations and | | | | security, one adult should lead and another should |
| riding times, and how to register your ATV. | | | | follow. Even if your child is driving circles in the |
| Purchase an appropriately-sized youth ATV. | | | | backyard, make sure he or she is supervised. |
| ATVs are manufactured in all sizes to accommodate | | | | Teach your child to stay on appropriate terrain and |
| a range of weights and heights, starting with toddlers | | | | trails. |
| as young as two. Youth ATVs are lightweight, | | | | ATVs are made to be driven on rough terrain and |
| battery-powered and will help children become | | | | back roads. The wheels of the ATV adjust to |
| accustomed to maneuvering a vehicle. As children | | | | constantly-changing surfaces; they don't spin steadily |
| grow and gain knowledge, skills and confidence, they | | | | like a car's. For this reason, many communities have |
| can start riding larger youth ATVs and eventually | | | | specially-designated trails for ATV riders that help |
| move on to adult-size. | | | | them avoid joggers, bikers and others who are also |
| Enroll your child in an ATV safety course. | | | | enjoying the outdoors. Be sure to always obey your |
| An ATV riding course can teach you and your child | | | | community's guidelines and stay on surfaces that are |
| appropriate ATV safety, including proper operation | | | | appropriate for an ATV. |
| and maneuvering. You can find ATV safety courses | | | | Instruct your child to drive without passengers. |
| online or in your community. Knowing the correct | | | | ATVs are designed to carry one rider; be sure your |
| way to handle an ATV could prepare children for any | | | | child understands this. Your child should never carry a |
| type of terrain and help them avoid problems, such | | | | passenger because the misplaced weight can cause |
| as rollovers and accidents. | | | | the ATV to be off balance. |
| Outfit your child in protective ATV clothing for kids. | | | | |