Safe ATV Riding: What To Do If You Encounter Stormy Weather
Before heading out on any adventure, it’s always a good idea to check the weather. Still, forecasts aren’t always accurate, and conditions can change throughout the day. Even if the skies look clear when you fire up your ATV, there’s a chance of inclement weather, especially on longer trips. With that in mind, here are a few safety tips to follow if you encounter stormy weather while you’re out on the trails.
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Finding Safety In Thunderstorms
Lightning is one of the most dangerous forces of nature. If you see flashes or hear thunder and you’re able to return to your base quickly, it’s best to head back immediately. When a building is not available, the next best thing is to hang out in your car or truck with the windows rolled up. A vehicle with a metal roof provides the best shelter, so if your tow vehicle is topless or has a soft cover roof, you might want to look for a better option.
Seek Lower Ground Away from Water and Open Areas
Sometimes, a quick return to your base is challenging. In this case, you may need to head for low ground and stay away from fields. High ground and open areas are more susceptible to lightning strikes, so a protected area away from water is your best bet. Water is a conductor for electricity, so even if you don’t get hit with a direct strike, it can potentially reach you from a distance.
Avoid Tall or Isolated Trees During Thunder Storms
Also, stay away from tall or isolated trees when lightning strikes close to your location. Taller and solitary objects can also be conduits for a lightning strike, carrying the charge to the ground and potentially knocking off limbs or starting fires along the way. Areas with short trees may offer more safety until the storm passes.
Protect Yourself If No Shelter is Available
If no safe shelter is available, crouch low to the ground with your feet together, away from pooling water. Try to minimize your contact with the ground as much as possible. Avoid lying flat, as this increases your risk of being struck.
Staying Safe in Wind And Rain
Heavy winds or rain while riding your ATV requires extra caution. Try to make your way back to base if it’s nearby. Keep in mind that riding in these conditions can significantly reduce your visibility. Be sure to reduce your speed, avoid hard turns and maneuvers, and keep your distance from other riders.
Seek Higher Ground and Avoid Slippery Conditions
If the storm is intense but there is no thunder, head to high ground instead of lower ground. Heavy rain and wind can cause falling objects and mudslides, so being in an elevated area can help you avoid pooling water and flash flooding. Muddy ATV riding can be a fun activity, but when planned under the right circumstances. However, it’s still a good idea to stay away from tall or isolated trees, as heavy branches can fall or be blown around.
Keep Extra Gear and Clothing Accessible
High winds and rain will also lower the air temperature. Before you head out, it’s a good idea to keep some extra ATV gear and supplies available. If you get stuck for a while and can find a dry place to wait out the storm, having a warm, dry change of clothing can help prevent hypothermia. Also, ensure you have safety essentials available in case of injury or an emergency.
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Ride It Out
If you do happen to get stuck in a storm and you can find a safe place to hang out before heading back to base, just remember to wait at least 30 minutes after the storm appears to be over before making your move. Intense storms sometimes travel in cells, so try to avoid being caught in an unfavorable spot when the next wave comes in. Carefully pick your moment, and practice caution on the way back.
Hopefully, you’ll never need the advice above and can enjoy decent weather whenever you go out to hit the trails—but it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Barrett Baker
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