Hitting the trails in the woods around your home on an ATV can be a fun way to spend a weekend afternoon. If you have children, they'll often be clamoring to be able to drive their own ATVs. When they reach the lawful age of doing so in your state, you may wish to think about buying ATVs for your children. Of course, it's also a good idea to ensure that they take at least one training course and that they pledge to be responsible while at the controls. When you're shopping for ATVs for your children, there are many valuable child-friendly features to look for in the model you buy. Here are some examples.
Speed Limiter
The speeds that ATVs are capable of reaching can be a concern for parents who are buying these off-road vehicles for their children. As such, it's important to buy ATVs that have speed limiters. This simple feature allows you to set the maximum speed at which the off-road vehicle will operate. While you should only ever allow your children to drive their ATVs when you're supervising them, a speed limiter will prevent your child from traveling too fast if he or she has the urge. The good thing about this feature is that you can adjust it, so you can change the maximum speed appropriately as your children get older.
Wrist Tether
Injuries can occur when the rider tumbles off his or her ATV, but this risk is much lower if you've bought and installed a safety tether. This simple device attaches to the controls of the vehicle and to your child's wrist. In the event that he or she falls off the ATV — which is unlikely if the child has been through the proper training program and is driving in a safe manner — the vehicle will automatically shut off. This prevents it from continuing on and potentially harming the child.
Safety Flag
Make sure that the ATVs you buy come equipped with safety flags, or be sure to add them on immediately after purchase. An ATV safety flag is a tall, fluorescent orange flag mounted to the rear of the vehicle. Its purpose is to stick up well above the ATV and alert others to the vehicle's presence. Another rider may not hear your child approaching over his or her own vehicle, and visibility can be an issue in forested areas. However, the tall and bright nature of the safety flag will allow the other rider to spot your child and maneuver around him or her safely.
For more information, visit sites like www.tuffatvs.com.
