![\"Practicing](\"http:\/\/forwardmutual.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/7_19_ATV.jpg\")
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ATVs are popular with farm and homeowners alike. Yet many users\u00a0don’t realize the potential dangers\u00a0they present if not operated properly.\u00a0Our reinsurance company\u00a0Grinnell Mutual <\/a><\/em>offers\u00a0these helpful guidelines for safe and enjoyable ATV-riding.<\/p>\n In 2015, ATVs accounted for 357 reported deaths nationwide, according to Claims Journal. And the 2015 Consumer Product Safety Commission reported that ATVs accounted for nearly 94,000 emergency room visits in 2014 (the most recent year for which numbers are available). Roughly 26 percent of these were children younger than 16 years of age.<\/p>\n Often, first-time buyers are the victims, who buy, hop on it, and take off without really considering taking safety measures (like helmets) or educating themselves about potential dangers.<\/p>\n Teaching and practicing safety habits will prevent members of your family from becoming a statistic.<\/p>\n The National Education Center for Agricultural Safety (NECAS) recommends inspecting for the following:<\/p>\n \u2022 Are tires and wheels in good condition?<\/p>\n \u2022 Are the controls and cable operational?<\/p>\n \u2022 Does the chain have proper slack and is it lubricated?<\/p>\n \u2022 Is riding gear (including a helmet) available?<\/p>\n ATVs are not intended to be used on a public roadway. There have been\u00a0instances where someone is using the ATV in a farm application and riding in a ditch. The rider pops over the road, doesn\u2019t think to check before crossing the road, and is broadsided, leading to serious injuries or fatalities.<\/p>\n Remember, just as you were taught as kids: If you\u2019re crossing the roadway, please make sure you look both ways before you cross.<\/p>\n ATVs are designed for one person for a reason.\u00a0Additional riders make it diffucult for the driver to control the vehicle.<\/p>\n Follow the manufacturer recommendations for minimum age and riders. Children under the age of 16 should never operate an adult-sized ATV (90cc or greater) and children under the age of 12 should not operate ATVs at all. Supervise riders younger than 16.<\/span><\/p>\n Read the manual and follow the instructions and recommendations from the manufacturer. They\u2019re there for a reason. Also, check into ATV-riding \u00a0course in your area.<\/p>\n To sign up for an ATV RiderCourse in your area, call toll-free at (800) 887-2887 or go to\u00a0www.atvsafety.org<\/a>. For more tips for using your farm and recreational vehicles safely, visit the Front Porch blog<\/a> at grinnellmutual.com<\/a>. For information on how owning or allowing others to ride ATVs on your property affects your insurance policy, contact Forward Mutual<\/a>.<\/p>\nPractice ATV safety on your property<\/b><\/h2>\n
1.\u00a0 Inspect the machine<\/b><\/h2>\n
2.\u00a0 Never ride on public roads<\/b><\/h2>\n
3.\u00a0 Never carry a passenger on a single-rider vehicle<\/b><\/h2>\n
4.\u00a0Ride an ATV that\u2019s right for your age<\/b><\/h2>\n
5. If you\u2019re a first-time owner, educate yourself.<\/b><\/h2>\n
For more information<\/b><\/h2>\n
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