Staying Safe On Your Side-By-Side
Side-by-sides, or UTVs, are an incredible way to turn perilous terrain into a perfectly passable road—or, better yet, your own natural rollercoaster. But whether your side-by-side is for work or for thrills, it’s important to stay safe while driving it. We here at Tracy Motorsports want you to stay safe so you can keep riding, so we’ve put together some safety tips for your next UTV ride. If you want more information, or you’re on the market for a new UTV, contact our store in Tracy, California, today!
The Right Gear
Your last line of defense is going to be what you’re wearing, so it’s important to have the right gear on. A well-fitting helmet made for extreme powersports is vital, even if it’s heavy and warm at side-by-side speeds. A motocross helmet is a bit lighter without sacrificing safety, but you’ll need goggles to keep your eyes protected.
The rest of your outfit should be geared towards avoiding direct skin contact with any flying debris or the ground, in case of falls. That means sturdy boots that go above the ankle, gloves with good grip, and long sleeves and pants for all riders.
Stick To The Trails
If you’re on a trail, you need to stay on it. Exploring the underbrush will damage local ecosystems, and it can damage your side-by-side and you, as well. When off-roading, stay slow until you’re familiar with an area. Whenever possible, follow a more experienced rider to stick to safe routes.
Keep An Eye On Your Kids
If you’ve got children with you, you need to monitor them carefully at every point of your ride. They need to be trained up in safety practices and wear all the safety gear you’re equipped with. If and when you allow them to drive, make sure they stick to the trail and take it slow. Even teens should be supervised.
Very young children who would need a car seat in a consumer vehicle should never be brought along, as car seats can’t be secured in a UTV.
Top Of Your Game
Never, ever drive your side-by-side while drunk or overly exhausted. Even a light buzz can impact your reflexes and situational awareness, and any recreational drug that affects your perceptions is included in this warning. If you take a prescription that might hinder your ability to drive, wait until you’re done driving or check with your doctor to see if they think you’re good to drive. UTVs require a lot of focus and quick reactions, so you need to be at your best when you get behind the wheel.
We hope these tips help you stay safe on your next excursion! If you have any questions, or you’d like to see the side-by-sides we have for sale, contact us at Tracy Motorsports. We proudly serve the people of Stockton and Modesto, California—let us serve you today!