The term ATV refers to ‘All-terrain Vehicles’. They are usually used on the off-roads or sandy routes. They run either on gas or 12 vdc battery pack that can be recharged. ATVs have powerful engines that enable a rider to speed up to 65mph. However, they considered not a safe automobile. They have no safety cages or seat belts, which means the rider can be easily thrown off the vehicle in case of an accident and can result in fatal head injuries, broken collarbone, legs or arms. Keeping in view their risky outlook and functionality, they are suitable for kids aged above 14, that too after taking a proper course on how to ride and control the vehicle efficiently.
Whether to buy your kid an ATV or not is a question pondered upon by many parents. A kid’s safety is a parent’s responsibility. It is the parent’s job to take all the precautionary measures to keep their kids safe. Moreover, teaching kids to be self-sufficient in taking care of themselves is of prime importance, particularly when you are not around. What you will teach your kids will stay with them for the rest of their lives. If you are assured of your kid’s and can take care of him, then ATV is surely a fun-filled experience for him that he must try.
The trends of vacationing have been changed from the last few decades. People are experimenting with new destinations instead of going to typical hill stations. The sand dunes and deserts, particularly of Dubai, are a new attraction for the tourists. Driving ATVs is real fun in such sandy localities. If your children are well-trained and have awareness about their safety, then ATV’s can enable them to enjoy the landscape in its entirety. Although the use of All-terrain vehicles can be dangerous in populated places like cities or public land, they can be used in wider areas like beaches and deserts.
To drive an ATV, your kid must be at least 14. Driving all terrain-vehicles requires making adjustments actively, for example, the driver must know when to speed up, when to slow down, how to shift their weight to take a turn, etc. which can be done by the children above 14. Their sense of decision-taking is stronger than the one below 14. Before your kid drives an ATV in any tourist spot or anywhere else, he needs to take training from some professional and learn the techniques of controlling the vehicle. Getting safety certification is what ensures your kid’s safety.
ATVs are usually weighing 600 pounds or above and are available in various sizes and weights. Therefore, choose the one that is appropriate as per your age and size. Manufactures put labels on vehicles as to which one is suitable for what age group, you can easily choose the one suitable for you. Besides learning to control the vehicle, an important thing is to get your kid the safety tools that will protect them. For example, for their eye protection against the dust particles, buy your kid HD sunglasses. Buy the helmets that are recommended by the traffic control department. Being devoid of safety cages or seatbelts, ATVs do not offer much protection to the rider’s physicality. Therefore, wear long pants, full sleeves shirts, gloves and long boots as a precaution and to protect your body from direct exposure to injuries in case of any accidents.
Drive at safe speed because they become unstable at high speed and are more likely to tip. ATVs are not meant to be driven on roads or bricked pavements, avoid using them on such surfaces. To ensure your kids’ safety, give them basic training of first aid. If in case they get injured, they must know how to tackle the situation without panicking and give themselves the necessary first aid. Moreover, make sure that you are well-aware of your state’s law regarding riding ATV’s. Do not exceed the number of passengers that are either mentioned by the manufacturer or recommended by the state’s law.
Keeping your kids’ safety in mind and ensuring that they are capable of driving an ATV, you can buy them one that suits their size and age. Although the truth is that nothing can stop an accident, but by being prepared for one, you can decrease its tragic outcomes. Putting safety first should be your top priority.