JC Whitney.com

ATV Helmet Standards

In many places the law states that you must wear a helmet when riding an ATV. This is especially true for minors. Even if you are not required by law to wear a helmet, it is a good idea. Having a quality helmet is the best way to protect yourself from injury and while many consumers equate price and brand with quality these are not always the only indicators. There are other important factors to consider when purchasing an ATV helmet that will determine how safe and effective it will be for you.
While there aren’t many differences between a motorcycle helmet and an ATV helmet, there are a few and they may make a big difference. Likewise, there are differences between ATV helmets that are designed for different purposes such as off-roading and racing. ATV helmets generally have more ventilation and cover more of the face. While these features add some extra elements of safety, they add more to comfort which can make a big difference if you spend a lot of time on your ATV. ATV helmets are also generally made to be more secure as ATV riding can be more bumpy and aggressive than other types of vehicles that require helmets.
The amount of padding and how well a helmet fits are two of the most important aspects to picking the safest helmet for you. Price and brand often go hand in hand with these aspects of quality but this is not always the case. The primary purpose of padding is to give the helmet a snug fit that keeps it in place without moving. If the helmet that you purchase does not fit correctly, it will provide the best level of protection. Make sure the helmet sits on your head correctly and that it does not pinch at the neck. Whichever helmet you choose, make sure it is Dot certified. You can find plenty of safe helmets that fit correctly and are safe that are not name brand or exorbitantly expensive.
You should also try on helmets before you purchase one. You need to make sure that it has the correct amount of padding to make it fit snugly. Put the helmet on and move your head in all directions to make sure it will fit correctly no matter which way you move. A comfortable helmet is more effective because you will more likely to wear it and will not get tired of the uncomfortable feeling of an improper fit.
Most stores will have a return policy and it is a good idea to make sure you can return or exchange your helmet if you find that it is not comfortable for an extended period. It is also important to find a helmet that does not move around while wearing it and that is stays in the safest position no matter which way you move.
If you are purchasing a helmet for a child, make sure you choose one that is the right size and have your child try it on for comfort before you buy it. Choosing a helmet that fits correctly and that is DOT certified are the most important factors to consider when purchasing an ATV helmet.

Tips: ATV Transporting

Transporting an ATV can be a challenge, especially if you do not have the right equipment. Trying to transport an ATV in the back of a truck or in an all purpose trailer is not the best idea. It can be dangerous and make the task more difficult than it has to be. An unsecured ATV is dangerous and can injure people, and damage your truck or the ATV. If you are going to transport your ATV, make sure you use a specially designed ATV trailer and properly secure your ATV. Taking large heavy equipment such as an ATV on trips with you can be stressful, but using the proper trailer will reduce the amount of stress and make your tripe and enjoyable one.
An ATV trailer is a type of trailer made to transport ATV’s. Loading, unloading, and moving your ATV is much easier with a specially designed trailer and your ATV will be much more secure during transport. Most ATV trailers are made low to the ground and include a ramp that also folds up to secure your ATV after loading it. ATV trailers are made to withstand the weight of an ATV and have other safety features including places to use straps to secure your ATV.
There are some tips you should remember to make the most of your trip while transporting an ATV. Loading and unloading your ATV may seem like the hardest part, but compared to the challenges of driving with a trailer in tow these steps are relatively easy. Make sure the ramp on your trailer stays in good condition and if it is not attached, make sure it will not slip while you load or unload your ATV.
Driving while hauling your ATV in a trailer will prove to be the hardest part of transporting your ATV. Every move you make with your vehicle will cause your trailer to move as well. If you switch lanes or turn often, your trailer will also sway and move form side to side. Because the trailer is being towed a short distance behind your vehicle, the reaction of the trailer will be delayed.
It will take a few seconds longer for the trailer to stop swaying and the movements of the trailer may be more exaggerated than that of your vehicle. If you are new to towing trailers, you should practice on quiet roads near your house before you attempt to tow your ATV long distances.
Acceleration and braking is also different when you are towing a trailer. Obviously, you will not be able to accelerate as fast when towing a trailer so make sure you give yourself plenty of room when entering the road. You will also not be able to brake as quickly so do not follow as close to cars as you normally would.
The faster you drive, the more your trailer will move so always drive with caution while pulling your ATV trailer. You should also make sure your ATV is properly secured on the trailer so that is does not come loose from bumps and vibrations and get damaged or cause damage to anything else.

Powered by Yahoo! Answers