1. Plan ahead…use your head.

Find out from your local law enforcement officer, Department of Motor Vehicles office, or your ORV dealer about the laws and regulations in our state regarding the operation of an ORV. Only ride where ORVs are permitted.

2. Read the owner’s manual.

There are valuable tips about your ride in the manual. Take the manual, a tool kit and crucial spare parts with you when you ride (like a drive chain, drive belt or extra spark plug).

3. Use ALL the right gear.

Don’t be an idiot. ALWAYS wear a helmet, eye protection, gloves, boots (not tennis shoes), long pants and a bike jacket when riding.

4. Practice in a safe place.

If you want to be a safe rider and enjoy your ORV more, practice operating the vehicle. Practice safe acceleration, braking, turning, shifting your weight in turns, and awareness of your surroundings.

5. Take a training course.

Many times, dealers offer training courses to teach safe and fun operation of ORVs and motorcycles. Sign up for the courses that are available, from novice to skilled riders.

6. Don’t drive on paved roads.

In most places, it’s unlawful to ride your ORV on roads, even dirt roads. Also remember that ORVs are built to be off-road vehicles. They are sometimes hard to control on pavement, which puts you at risk of accident or injury.

7. Stay sharp and maintain control.

NEVER do drugs or drink alcoholic beverages while riding. Make sure your speed matches your riding experience, weather conditions, terrain and potential obstacles.

8. Do a pre-ride inspection.

Check your controls, lights, chain or driveshaft, tire pressures, fuel/oil levels and the chassis before you begin your ride. Do this EVERY TIME you plan to ride, even between rides on the same day. Remember that this is an off-road vehicle, and rough use can break things.

9. Avoid riding alone.

Just as you should never swim alone, you should avoid riding alone. Off-road riding is great fun, but carries its own dangers. But, I’m not necessarily suggesting carrying a passenger. Many ORVs are designed for a single rider, and not designed for passengers. The extra weight of a passenger can negatively affect how your ORV operates. Ride with a friend who is on his own ORV.

10. Get insurance protection for peace of mind.

Make sure you have the best ORV insurance coverage for you. This will protect your ORV from damage, and protect you from liability in case others are injured or the property of others is damaged while you’re riding.

By doing these ten tips, you’ll have the best chance at having fun riding in the dirt!