Off-Road Basics—Before You Ride
Know Your All-Terrain Vehicle

All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are designed for both recreation and work. They can be great fun and can provide hours of safe off-road riding—but they should never be treated like toys. An ATV can be dangerous if you don’t understand your vehicle or don’t know proper riding procedures.

• ATVs differ from other vehicles in the way they handle. Routine turning or braking, if done improperly, can result in a sudden rollover.
• Different types of ATVs have their own handling characteristics. For example, some ATVs have separate front and rear brake controls, and some have a control that brakes both the front and rear wheels. You need to understand your ATV’s braking system and know the safe way to come to a stop.

Remember:

• Before your first ride, take a safety course offered by the DNR or ATV Safety Institute.
• ATVs are designed exclusively for off-road use.
• ATVs can be difficult to handle on paved surfaces, so operating an ATV on pavement can be hazardous.
• Riding on paved roads is a major cause of ATV-related fatalities.