Safety gear is some of the most important equipment you’ll buy for your ATV. Before you hit the nearby trails we encourage you to take a look at our article below to ensure you have everything that you need! And, if you’re still looking for your perfect ATV feel free to stop by East Bay Motorsports in Haywood, California.

Helmet

While it varies depending on where you live, a helmet is the only safety article required for a person to wear while driving an ATV. We encourage you to purchase a helmet that has been approved by the DOT (Department of Transportation). This is a requirement in many states and is a guarantee that your helmet will protect you in the case of an accident. If you can, we suggest buying your helmet in person rather than online to ensure a good fit. A loose-fitting helmet isn’t much help if it flies off during a crash. While it’s up to you whether or not you purchase a helmet with a visor, it does increase visibility and protect your eyes from flying debris and dirt.

Shoes

Your head, feet, and hands are often the most exposed when driving an ATV. Your feet are especially susceptible to flying objects such as stones and sticks. It’s extremely important to avoid driving with any kind of open-toed shoe. We encourage you to find footwear that covers the ankle as well while still allowing plenty of movement. While some tennis shoes can do the job well, boots are often more durable and preferred by drivers. 

Gloves 

Whether or not you wear gloves to protect your hands is completely up to you. However, as we mentioned, they are one of your most exposed areas. They’re also one of the most sensitive, as a blow to your hand can quickly result in the loss of control of your steering. If you’d like, you can easily purchase a normal pair of ATV driving gloves for very little. If you drive in extremely rocky terrain you may want to pay a little extra for a pair of gloves with some protective knuckle padding. 

If you’re missing any of the safety gear from this very short list we encourage you to purchase it before your first ride. If you’re located in the California Bay area and in need of an ATV, powersport repair, or even a new part, we hope you’ll visit us here at East Bay Motorsports!