UTV Safe Riding Tips For Off-Roaders

If you love to use your utility terrain vehicle (UTV, or side-by-side) for off-road riding, then you know how challenging and potentially dangerous this can be. Following best safety practices is the key to ensuring the safety of you, your passengers, and anyone with whom you’re sharing the trail or riding area. Here are our tips to help you off-road responsibly.

Wear the Right Gear

When you ride your UTV, you and your passengers must wear the right safety gear to keep yourselves protected in an accident. You may be thrown from the vehicle or tossed forward, even with a seat belt, so a well-fitting helmet is a must, as are goggles or a face mask for eye protection. Close-fitting clothes that protect your skin, riding gloves, and boots can complete your ensemble.

Be Adaptable

A key aspect of safe UTV riding is to remain flexible. It's important to adapt to sudden changes that could pose a risk. For example, maybe the weather forecast called for a clear day. But now there is a heavy fog that compromises visibility, so you'll want to ride your side-by-side at a lower speed. Or maybe there's a heavy storm coming. Stay home and go riding another day.

Practice Your Riding Skills

Taking riding classes is a great way to sharpen your safe riding skills while under the watchful eye of experienced teachers. They may be able to catch bad riding habits that you didn't realize you had. They can also offer valuable insight and suggestions for safe riding. The more you build your experience and skill set, the better equipped you will be for safe UTV off-roading adventures.

Seeking side-by-sides for sale near you? When you’re ready to check out new or used UTVs for sale in Canada, stop by one of our dealership locations in Winnipeg, MB, or Kenora, ON, to see what we have in stock. Winnipeg Sport & Leisure is proud to serve our customers in the provinces of Ontario and Manitoba.