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UTV Safety Guide

Apr. 23 2021 Safety By Arizona Honda

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Taking your UTV on a trail ride is exhilarating, but it is also risky. You are pairing a high performing vehicle with unpredictable nature, after all! Fortunately, there are ways to reduce the risks and set yourself up for a safe riding experience.

We've created the following UTV safety guide covering the essentials. For more safety advice or to shop side-by-sides for sale, contact Arizona Honda. Our dealership is located in Snowflake, Arizona, and we also serve those in Show Low and Holbrook.

UTV Safety Attire

Each time you ride your side-by-side, you should be wearing the proper safety gear. These items will protect you from the hazards of the trail (such as low-hanging branches or kicked-up debris) as well as in the event of a crash.

The basic safety attire includes:

  • A helmet.
  • Eye protection, such as a helmet's visor or goggles.
  • Full length clothing.
  • Durable closed toed shoes that go up to your ankle.

UTV Safety Items

Next, pack your side-by-side with the essential safety tools.

This includes:

  • A repair kit with tire patches, a flashlight, screwdrivers, wrenches, and an air compressor.
  • A first aid kit with bandages, ointments, and over-the-counter pain relief.
  • An emergency radio alongside your cell phone and charger.

Adjust To The Situation

Every side-by-side trail ride is unique. Many aspects can vary such as the weather, the amount of other riders in the area, the trail route, and your given energy level that day. It's important to pay attention to the various pieces of context that affect your safety risks, then adapt accordingly.

For example, maybe this is the first time you are exploring a given trail. Go a bit slower so you have the time needed to adjust to any sudden turns or unexpected obstacles. Once you get familiar with the route, you can take it at a higher speed.

Keep Your Side-By-Side In Good Condition

If your UTV is worn down or running with broken parts, your chances of an accident are much higher. It's important to keep up your side-by-side’s maintenance needs, which will keep it performing optimally and safely.

Check the owner's manual to see what maintenance tasks you should be doing, then tackle them yourself or bring your UTV to a professional service department. 

Beyond the preventative maintenance tasks, you will also want to regularly inspect your side-by-side. It's important to catch issues early...before they manifest into a problem on the trail. Once you uncover a problem, get it fixed as soon as possible. Waiting too long can result in the issue getting worse and turning into a more expensive situation.

If you are looking to explore UTVs for sale, check out the selection at Arizona Honda. Our expert staff can go over the models and financing options, making the shopping process easy. Reach out or stop by our dealership in Snowflake, Arizona. We also proudly serve those in Show Low and Holbrook.