Panic, fear,
agonizing pain…. Fun? Most likely,
not. Goofing around and taking risks can
seem fun and exciting, but especially when you’re dealing with large machines
such as ATVs, it only takes a second for things to go terribly wrong.
Recently, I was
out riding at the Sand Dunes. After
about an hour of riding around, I went back to the parking lot to rest and get
some training course materials. While in
the parking area, another car pulled up and two people got out and started
unloading their vehicles. As an ASI
Instructor, I was pleased to see the first person get out in her proper riding
gear and put on gloves and a helmet before getting on her bike. However, I was surprised to see the other
walk out to his quad wearing a tee-shirt and start it up. Thinking maybe he would put on his PPE after
unloading the quad (which still is not recommended), I kept about my
business. It wasn’t until I heard the
engine gun that I looked up in time to see him peel out in the parking area and
roll his ATV. It was a scary sight and
for those crazy few seconds all I could think about was the need to call 911
and provide First Aid. Luckily, the man
was able to roll out of the way of his ATV and came up without any major
injuries. After checking his ATV and
getting it to start again, the two rode off into the Dunes without another
word. After they left, I couldn’t help
but think…. Is it worth it?
Risky tricks and
showing off can seem fun and sometimes it can be harmless, but is it worth your
health or even your life? The man I saw
was lucky. According to ATVsafety.gov in
2009 there was an estimated total of 781 ATV related deaths and 115,000
estimated ATV related emergency-room treated injuries in 2010. Not all of these deaths and injuries are the
results of risky riding or not wearing proper safety gear, but a high
percentage of them probably are.
ATV riding is fun
and can be a great experience, especially if you don’t wind up in the emergency
room. There is tons of space to explore
and many trails to ride on. However,
injury or death while riding is not a good experience and hopefully one that
you never have. Safe riding is fun.
A Properly Outfitted Rider Having a Blast! |
Remember, Nevada
Outdoor School offers multiple avenues to ATV safety. For more information, check our website or
call us at 775-623-5656.
story by Jive
story by Jive
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