Essential Tips for Preventing ATV Rollovers
The expression “keep the shiny side up” is often uttered before a group of friends take off for an ATV ride, but what should you really focus on while you’re in control of these machines to prevent a rollover? Off-roading comes with its thrills and risks, however you can mitigate errors by familiarizing yourself with these ATV safety features, and practicing better driving habits. ATV Trader is going through some tips and tricks that could help you keep the rubber side down when you’re on a roll.
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Tilt Table Test
The first step is understanding how prone your four-wheeler might be to rolling over, which is something you can do even before you set out on your ride. Width will play the largest role in whether or not an ATV or UTV is prone to rollovers, as the skinnier the machine is, the easier it is to roll over. This is one of the reasons that the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) mandated the Tilt Table Test, which is displayed on all new ATVs and UTVs.
In the test, ATV/UTV manufacturers load weight that is indicative of a rider and passenger onto the machine, while the vehicle is placed on a tilting table which begins to lean to one side. The resulting number from the test is displayed on the ATV or UTV (the measured degree right before two-wheels of the vehicle lift off the table). Consumers can then compare these ratings to find a machine that might be more stable, allowing you to make an informed decision when buying.
Speed
Once you’ve picked a machine that works for you, the way you ride will be the leading factor in preventing a rollover. Our next tip applies to safe riding in general: watch your speed. The faster you are moving the more inertia you are carrying, which means if your machine does end up going sideways, you are more prone to a rollover. Simply carrying too much speed into a corner can also result in a rollover with no loss of traction required. Always ride within your limits and at a safe speed for the conditions on your quad.
Traction
Next, you want to avoid any loss of traction with your rear wheels that could result in sideways motion. Rollovers often happen when a vehicle moving in a forward direction somehow ends up turning sideways even though its momentum keeps going in the same direction, allowing the edge of the tire to catch on the ground or an obstacle. Many riders will induce this kind of oversteer (AKA a “donut”) to try and break the back end of the vehicle free so they can slide around on purpose for fun; but you should avoid this type of stunt if you’d like to keep all your tires on the ground. Swinging the back end of the machine at high and low speeds can break your traction—especially while navigating steep trail sections—and can lead to disaster.
Hills
Hills are the most obvious type of obstacle you’ll face that can cause a rollover, but there are plenty of ways to navigate them in a safe way. The cardinal rule with hills is to never cut across them, and to always ride straight up or straight down. If you can’t avoid navigating a side hill, then approach it with caution and be sure to never aggressively steer up the hill. A sudden turn in the steering towards the top of the hill is the easiest way to send the vehicle toppling downhill. Approach the hill with caution so you can prevent a common riding mistake and further injury.
Bodyweight
Effectively using your bodyweight can also help prevent rollovers. On ATVs, you want to move your weight towards the inside of a corner to help keep those inside tires on the ground. In a hilly situation, moving your weight towards the top of the hill can also help to keep things stable, even when you’re pointing straight up the hill. On a UTV where moving your body weight around will have less impact on the control of the vehicle, be sure to load any cargo or luggage close to the center of the machine to keep things balanced on both sides. Heavier, disproportionate weight on one side of the vehicle increases the chances of a rollover.
Stop a Rollover in Progress
Hopefully it doesn’t get to this point, but there are ways you can try and stop a rollover in progress. The key is to steer in the same direction that the vehicle is rolling before the wheels get too high off the ground. For example, if you’re turning hard to the driver side and the vehicle begins to roll towards the passenger side in a corner, immediately and aggressively steer to the passenger side to set all four tires back on the ground. As a cautious driver, you shouldn’t need this maneuver at all, but in an emergency, understanding how to do this could prevent an injury and vehicle damage.
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If you take things carefully while riding and understand what causes a rollover, you can have a fun session on the trails. Keep these tips in mind so your four wheels remain on the ground. Remember, though, in addition to these tips you should always follow all important safety recommendations and precautions like taking an ATV hands-on training course and wearing protective gear. And if you’re on the market for your next machine, check out all of your options from the nation’s largest selection of listings on ATV Trader.
Stephen Elmer
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