| There's no doubt about it: quad bikes are fun. They | | | | different matter. It's advisable to buy a brand new |
| can be exhilarating to ride, and a strong community | | | | helmet as you can be sure it is not damaged in any |
| has built up around the vehicles. A new rider is able | | | | way. Many accidents are made worse due to |
| to benefit from the experience and technical | | | | inadequate headgear. |
| expertise of more seasoned quad bikers, and there | | | | Take a driver's safety course |
| are many quad bike meets where a rider can race or | | | | A safety course will educate a rider in the proper |
| ride just for the fun of it. | | | | way to ride their quad bike, and will make sure that |
| Quad bikes aren't just for recreation; many people | | | | he or she will be able to handle their vehicle. Quad |
| use them in their line of work too. For example, lots | | | | bike etiquette is also taught, which makes taking a |
| of farmers use them as they are ideal for getting | | | | course a critical requirement to safely enjoying the |
| around their land quickly and easily, and many | | | | sport. |
| coastguards also use them for their beach patrols. | | | | Watch your speed |
| There's never been a better time to get into the | | | | The temptation is always there to go as fast as you |
| sport, as the market for secondhand quad bikes is | | | | can. However, increasing your speed – especially |
| booming and expert advice on which vehicle is best | | | | over uneven terrain – decreases the quad bike's |
| for you is plentiful. | | | | stability and the control you have over the vehicle. |
| As enjoyable as they are to ride, a quad bike must | | | | Don't ride under the influence |
| be treated with respect. Like any vehicle, if | | | | If you're riding your quad bike off road, it's easy to |
| precautions are taken and they are ridden | | | | assume that the normal drink driving limits don't apply. |
| responsibly, it will minimise the chances of an accident. | | | | Do this at your peril – drinking and driving do not |
| Here are some tips on riding your quad bike safely: | | | | mix, and even prescription or over the counter |
| Always wear protective gear | | | | medications can impair your ability to ride. |
| Just as you would when riding a motorcycle, wear a | | | | Don't attempt tricks |
| helmet when on your quad bike. If you plan on riding | | | | Most quad bike accidents occur when the vehicle is |
| your quad bike in a wooded area, it's advisable to | | | | ridden improperly. Once you've gained a certain |
| wear eye protection as mud, stones or even a bug | | | | proficiency in riding your quad bike, you may start to |
| can fly into your eye. Boots, gloves and a helmet are | | | | feel brave and attempt a stunt or two. This will |
| also essential. You may be able to buy a top notch | | | | greatly increase your chances of an accident. Stunts |
| second hand quad bike, but head protection is a | | | | and tricks are best left to the professionals. |