Safety Tips for ATV Riding with Passengers and Dogs
Heading out on a trail ride is always better when enjoyed with others, whether it’s a group ride or they’re a passenger on the back of your ATV, or side-by-side in a UTV. If that’s the case, what do you need to consider to make sure everyone has a fun day and remains safe? Here are some helpful tips to remember when riding with passengers.
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Gear Up
Safety should be top priority when riding and it becomes even more important when passengers climb aboard your vehicle, as the driver always has the responsibility of taking care of those on the machine. That means checking to make sure that everyone has the right safety gear on, including things like helmets, eye protection, gloves, boots, long-sleeve shirt, and riding pants. This also involves instructing passengers to hold on and showing them where to do so on your vehicle. The driver of the quad should never leave before feeling confident that all the onboard passengers are properly outfitted with the gear and knowledge they’ll need to stay safe on the trail.
Everyone is in charge of their own safety when off-road riding, and for passengers that means being confident that you understand your role in the ride and speaking up if something has you worried, including if the driver is taking risks that make you uncomfortable.
Communication is Key
Communication about all things related to your ride is a key element to making sure everyone is comfortable and safe. It begins before the wheels even start turning, as all passengers should be aware of where they are riding, how far they plan to go, and how fast and/or rough the trail is going to be. This way expectations can be set before you take off. Sometimes a passenger won’t feel comfortable with a driver’s style or level of risk, which is fine, it just becomes harder to deal with if you’ve already left for a ride. So, talk things over beforehand to avoid any awkward situations on a long trail ride and make sure they have a grasp of ATV safety features you should know.
A set of simple hand signals should also be discussed before you take off, as sometimes the sound of the engine will make it hard to hear when something important needs to be communicated. Simple gestures for things like slow down, speed up, or stop are all helpful.
Added Vehicle Weight
Once safety is addressed, next you’ll have to learn how the added weight of passengers affects the ride and handling of your vehicle. If you’re on an ATV, the weight will be added directly behind you on the seat, possibly leading to more rear end squat and front end lift, though that can be addressed by properly adjusting your suspension. More weight in general will be felt when cornering, accelerating, and braking, so be sure to take it slow and easy for the first portion of your ride with a passenger so you can get a feel for the machine. It’s also important to get your ATV passenger to help with the handling by leaning their body in the same direction you’re turning the vehicle. If both rider and passenger can move in the same way it can help the overall handling.
This isn’t possible in a UTV where you’re belted in, so simply remind passengers to keep their eyes on the trail ahead so they can anticipate what’s coming with their body. Bouncing down a rough, rocky trail without watching makes it hard for you to brace yourself properly and can lead to way too much upper body movement while increasing the risk of an injury.
Seating Position and Posture
When it comes to proper seating position and posture on an ATV, the passenger should be capable of sitting upright while placing their feet firmly on the footboards while grabbing the passenger handholds. In a UTV, passengers should be able to have their back firmly against the backrest while their feet are planted and hands are on the grab handle.
Carry Extra Supplies
Also, consider everyone’s comfort and safety when packing your machine for the day. Things like extra water, food, toiletries, and gear can go a long way when helping one of your passengers have a much better time off-roading.
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Riding with Dogs
If your passenger happens to be of the furry, four-legged variety, then there’s a few other considerations to take into account. You have to make sure Fido has the right gear, whether that’s goggles, a coat, or boots. A four- or five-point harness is a good way to keep your dog safe while bouncing down the trail in a UTV. Many owners also opt for a dog crate fastened securely to the back of the machine. This gives your pup their own little sanctuary, though remember to invest in a high quality crate that can hold up to lots of rough use.
For ATV owners, bringing your dog is not always a safe option because of limitations with things like seatbelts or keeping the animal calm during the ride. However, some pets do like to run ahead of off-roaders on private property or a closed course. This can be a fun way to get some exercise out in the woods or a field. Just remember to only do this in places that allow this, never run at high speeds, and give yourself extra space to brake.
Stephen Elmer
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