All-terrain vehicles offer a way to explore trails and work on rural land, but they come with serious risks that every rider needs to understand before turning the key. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reports that off-highway vehicles (OHVs) are involved in an annual average of more than 800 deaths and an estimated 100,000 emergency department-treated injuries. ATVs account for the majority of those incidents, and nearly 300 of the deaths from 2018 through 2020 were children under age 16. This guide walks through the core safety rules, gear, age considerations and pre-ride checks that can help you reduce those risks, drawing on official guidance from the CPSC and the ATV Safety Institute (ASI).
Understanding the Risks
According to the CPSC’s latest data, from 2018 through 2020 there were 2,448 deaths in the United States associated with OHVs, which include ATVs, recreational off-highway vehicles (ROVs) and utility-terrain vehicles (UTVs). ATVs were involved in more than two-thirds of those deaths. The agency also estimates that 94,700 OHV-related injuries were treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments in 2022, and over a five-year period ATVs accounted for 92 percent of those injuries. Five states, Pennsylvania, California, West Virginia, Kentucky and Florida, together accounted for 613 deaths, or more than 30 percent of the off-highway vehicle deaths during that period. The CPSC warns that the dangers include overturning, collisions and occupant ejection. These numbers make it clear why safety cannot be an afterthought, whether you are new to ATVs or adding another machine to your fleet. For a broader look at the different types of off-road vehicles, see our off-road vehicles overview.
Core Safety Rules from the CPSC
The CPSC’s safety tips poster and online guidance boil down to a handful of non-negotiable rules. First, always wear a DOT-compliant helmet and other protective gear such as eye protection, boots, gloves, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt. Second, never ride with more passengers than there are seats. Most ATVs are designed for a single rider, and ROVs should never carry more people than there are seat belts. Third, do not drive ATVs or ROVs on paved surfaces. Ride on designated trails and at a safe speed. The CPSC also stresses that riders should never ride on public roads, except to cross where permitted by law. Fourth, get hands-on training from a qualified instructor. The CPSC directs riders to ATVsafety.org to find a class. Fifth, avoid drinking alcohol before or while operating an ATV. Finally, riders younger than 16 should drive only age-appropriate youth model ATVs, never adult models or ROVs. The CPSC also notes that children should not be passengers in an ROV unless their feet can reach the floor in a sitting position.
Gearing Up for Every Ride
The ATV Safety Institute (ASI) emphasizes that proper riding gear is not optional. The ASI states that you should never operate an ATV or ride as a passenger without a quality motorcycle helmet, eye protection, boots, gloves, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt or jacket. This gear helps protect against flying debris, contact with foliage and the impact of a fall. While complete protection is not possible, wearing the right equipment can reduce the chance of injury and make you more comfortable during a ride. For more on outfitting yourself and your machine, explore our off-road accessories section.
Is Your Child Ready to Ride?
ATVs are not toys, and the ASI reminds parents that the decision to let a child ride is a serious one. The organization has developed an ATV Readiness Checklist to help parents evaluate whether their child has the physical size, coordination and maturity to handle an ATV. The ASI makes no suggestion about how many of the checklist abilities are necessary or what degree of ability a child should have; that judgment is left entirely to the parent. If you decide your child is ready, the next step is to put them on an age-appropriate vehicle. Every ATV made by ASI member companies comes with a warning label that states the manufacturer’s minimum age recommendation. The ASI urges parents to find that label, know the age limit and enforce it. The CPSC reinforces this by stating that riders younger than 16 should only drive youth model ATVs. When you are in the market for a machine, our article on choosing an off-road vehicle can help you understand the different categories and what to look for.
Pre-Ride Inspection: The T-CLOC Checklist
The off-highway environment is tough on vehicles, so the ASI recommends a pre-ride inspection before every outing. The institute offers a basic checklist called T-CLOC, which stands for Tires and Wheels, Controls and Cables, Lights and Electrics, Oil and Fuel, and Chain/Driveshaft and Chassis. The ASI says this inspection should take only five to ten minutes and can minimize the chance of being injured or stranded.
Tires and Wheels
Check air pressure with a low-pressure gauge; the ASI notes that ATV tire pressures are usually between 2 and 10 psi, and automotive tire gauges are not accurate for this range. Incorrect pressure can cause poor handling and tire or wheel damage. Inspect tires for cuts or gouges that could cause air leakage. Make sure axle nuts are tight and secured by cotter pins, and that wheel nuts are torqued properly.
Controls and Cables
Ensure the throttle moves smoothly and snaps closed with the handlebars in any position. If the ATV has a throttle limiter, confirm it is adjusted appropriately for the rider. Brakes must operate smoothly and be adjusted according to the owner’s manual. Check that the foot shifter is firmly attached and positioned for safe operation. During warm-up, switch the ignition off and on to verify it works, and test the engine stop switch to make sure it turns off the engine.
Lights and Electrics
If the ATV is equipped with a headlight and taillight, check their operation and condition. The ASI warns that you could be caught out after dark, so working lights are essential.
Oil and Fuel
Start every ride with a full tank of gas. Check the oil level with a dipstick or sight glass while the engine is off, following the procedure in the owner’s manual. Look for any fuel or oil leaks. Remove the air filter cover and inspect the filter element; it should be clean and free of tears or blockages.
Chain/Driveshaft and Chassis
For chain-driven ATVs, inspect, adjust and lubricate the chain regularly. The ASI says chain slack must be within the specifications in the owner’s manual. If the ATV has a drive shaft instead, check for oil leaks and maintain its oil supply as outlined in the manual. Finally, with the engine off, look and feel for loose parts. Shake the handlebars, footrests and other components, and periodically check all fasteners. The ASI also recommends carrying a first aid kit, a tool kit and a few spare items such as a spark plug, electrical wire and tape, a strong tow rope, a flashlight and a headlight bulb. For more on pre-trip routines, visit our pre-trip inspections page.
Frequently asked questions
What age can a child ride an ATV?
The CPSC states that riders younger than 16 should drive only age-appropriate youth model ATVs, never adult models. The ASI adds that every ATV from its member manufacturers carries a warning label with the minimum age recommendation, and parents should enforce that limit. There is no single legal age that applies everywhere, so always check your state’s rules and the vehicle’s label.
Can I carry a passenger on my ATV?
Most ATVs are designed for a single rider. The CPSC says never ride with more passengers than there are seats. If the ATV is built for one person, do not add a passenger. For ROVs and UTVs, the CPSC warns that children should not be passengers unless their feet can reach the floor while sitting. For more on multi-passenger machines, see our UTVs guide.
What should I check before each ride?
The ASI recommends a T-CLOC inspection: tires and wheels, controls and cables, lights and electrics, oil and fuel, and chain/driveshaft and chassis. This quick check helps catch loose parts, low tire pressure, fluid leaks and control issues before you head out.
For additional guidance on ATV selection, gear and safe riding practices, browse our ATVs category page.
