Safety Tips

Don’t ride cross-country – stay on established trails Cross-country travel can increase soil erosion, ignite wildfire, spread noxious weeds and damage wildlife habitat.

Always

Don’t cut switchbacks Taking shortcuts damages trails and causes erosion.

wear a

Only carry passengers if your OHV is specifically designed to do so ATVs and off-road motorcycles are generally designed to carry only one rider.

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Riders under the age of 16 should be supervised by a responsible adult at all times

Don’t ride cross-country – stay on established trails Cross-country travel can increase soil erosion, ignite wildfire, spread noxious weeds and damage wildlife habitat.
Always ride in control Ride within your abilities and your machine’s capabilities. Never attempt anything that is beyond your skill level.
Always wear the appropriate safety gear At a minimum, this should include a helmet, shatter resistant eye protection, long sleeves, long pants, gloves, and boots that cover the ankle.
Only carry passengers if your OHV is specifically designed to do so ATVs and off-road motorcycles are generally designed to carry only one rider. Carrying passengers can alter the balance of the machine, causing a loss of control.
Riders under the age of 16 should be supervised by a responsible adult at all times
Be prepared for an emergency Always carry a tool kit and spare parts, a first aid kit, and survival equipment when you ride.
Respect closed areas and private property The future for OHV access is in your hands.
Avoid wet areas and waterways They are a vital resource for plants and animals.
Don’t cut switchbacks Taking shortcuts damages trails and causes erosion.
Share the trails and make friends with other trail users Stop or slow down and lower the noise and dust levels when approaching equestrians, hikers and others.

Why are young people injured so often?
No helmet
Carrying one or more passengers (2+ on one ATV)
Lack of mature judgment
Lack of adequate strength and coordination
ATV too big for their size/age(adult ATVs weigh 500+ lbs)
Riding on Terrain above their skill level
What you can do to keep them safe:
Always wear a well fitting helmet, properly fitted safety gear can help prevent injuries
Never allow more than one rider on the ATV at a time
Always supervise your kids while they are riding
Ensure they can adequately control the ATV
Do not let them ride on terrain above their skill level

**Remember Idaho State Law requires kids 17 and under to wear a helmet **

ALWAYS… Ride the Proper Size ATV
There are ATVs designed for children. Always ensure your child can fit the ATV. Supervise children under 16. One of the first questions you need to ask yourself is whether your child is old enough, big enough and mature enough to handle an ATV. Certainly you know your child better than anyone, but evaluate them as objectively as you can…their safety is at stake. Download IDPR’s fit guidelines at www.parksandrecreation.idaho.gov to help you evaluate your child’s ability to fit the ATV. For more information please visit https://www.fs.fed.us