How to Teach a Child Safety on an ATV

Presume nothing. Start your lessons at a basic level. Even if your child has ridden an ATV in the past, teach as though they have never ridden before.

Teach your child how to stop an ATV before showing them how to start one. Practice braking techniques with the handlebars in multiple positions. If the ATV has hand and foot brakes, teach your child to rely primarily on rear brakes. The use of front brakes alone during a panic stop can result in injury.

Show your child how to work all the controls. Quiz them until they can show you each action on command, in random order, without looking at the controls.

Practice riding on flat ground, in a controlled area such as your backyard. Do not ride in the road. Have them perform simple commands, such as "Drive around the bush, across the driveway, and park beside the shed."

Teach your child ATV safety as they sit on the machine, wearing safety gear and a kill strap if the machine is equipped with one. It helps them adjust to their new ATV.

Insist your child wear proper safety gear at all times while riding an ATV. A D.O.T. approved helmet, goggles, long pants and protective boots are the minimum safety gear for riding in your backyard. Additional gear is required when your child advances to ATV trails.

Always ensure your child rides a machine safety-rated for their age group and governed for their skill level. Children must never operate too large an ATV.

Proceed to more challenging terrain only when your child has mastered flat ground. Teach your child to ride poised slightly above the seat, leaning into turns for stability.