The Kentucky Riders family believes very strongly in the importance of ATV Safety. While the sport of ATVing can be a lot of fun, it can also be dangerous and therefore requires proper safety. Wearing Helmets: Wearing a Helmet is the number one thing you can do to protect yourself from serious injury or death in an ATV accident. A DOT approved full-face helmet and eye protection should always be worn. Riding Alone: Riding alone can be very dangerous and should be avoided. If you are riding an ATV and have an accident it is very likely you could need the assistance of another rider, so it's important to always ride with a friend or group. With hundreds of riders actively on the kentuckyriders.com website, finding someone to ride with should never be a problem! Riders Left Behind: When riding ATV's in a group, it should be considered the responsibility of each rider to watch out for the rider behind them. Every chance you get to safely do so, take a quick look back and check on them. If you don't see them, stop immediately and go back! The rider ahead of you should then notice your gone, and eventually the whole group can circle back and regroup. Riding Double: Riding double can be very dangerous and should be avoided. Most ATV's on the market today are designed and built to carry only one rider. When riding double on an ATV that is only built for one person the ATV becomes much less stable and harder to maneuver, this greatly increases the likelyhood of an accident. *However - some manufacturers are starting to release models that are specifically designed to safely carry two riders. Watch For Other Riders On The Trails: When riding, always be mindful of the other riders out on the trails. If you're leading a group and see another rider or group of riders approaching, immediately put up a standard "stop" arm signal. This should then be relayed back by each rider letting everyone know another group is approaching. Everyone should then slow down and pull to the right allowing the other rider or group to pass safely. It is also important to watch for other riders at trail crossing. There are no stop or traffic lights out there on the trails! Each rider should slow down or stop and check for on-coming cross traffic before proceeding. Giving Other Riders Plenty Of Room: Always maintain a safe following distance behind the rider in front of you. This will give you more time to react should they stop or have an accident. Also - when approaching a hill on the trail, stop and allow the person in front of you to make it all the way to the top before proceeding up the hill yourself. Helping Out Other Riders: The ability and experience level of the riders in the group you are riding with is going to vary. An experienced rider that is familiar with the terrain should always lead the group and be aware of the abilities and experience level of the other riders in the group. If the group comes to a dangerous area that cannot be by-passed, the more experienced riders should always help out the less experienced riders by spotting them or riding their ATV's through the dangerous section for them. In general, everyone should consider it their responsibility to watch out for everyone else in the group. This is especially true if there are any kids along on the ride. It should be considered the responsibility of every adult in the group to help keep them safe. Drinking And Riding: Alcohol and ATV's don't mix. When you drink, your reaction time and balance are impaired. This will greatly affect your ability to safely operate an ATV.