All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are essential for many farmers and ranchers but can pose serious safety risks. Tawnie Larson, project manager for the Kansas Agriculture Safety and Health program at K-State, says ATVs are involved in more crashes and fatalities than UTVs, often due to excess speed or inattentive driving. One common hazard is underage operators, who may not be cognitively ready to handle a large, fast vehicle.

“Extra passengers are also a big thing with ATV users. One third of the injuries involve passengers, as most ATV’s are designed for just one operator. The rough terrain and obstacles is also an issue, and rollovers happen quite often on ATV’s. Something to keep in mind, too, is that ATV’s are not designed for highway, even though in some states they are legal to be on the highway, but that doesn’t mean that the tires are correct and the speed would be appropriate to be on a highway,” said Larson.

ATV safety is similar to motorcycle safety, and much of the protective gear is the same. It’s important to wear a Department of Transportation-approved helmet, along with eye protection such as safety goggles or glasses.

“Sunglasses are not significant enough to cover and protect the eyes. Also, wear long sleeve pants and shirts as well as proper footwear. So sturdy boots, no sandals, flip flops, or Crocs, that kind of thing,” said Larson. Larson points out that one safety tip often overlooked is ensuring the ATV is the right size for the rider, whether adult, child, or teenager. It’s crucial that children have the strength and skill to reach all controls and react appropriately before a crash. The proper fit is key, so Larson recommends visiting a dealer to ensure the ATV is correctly sized for a child.