ATV safety is paramount at Honda. While we take pride in the endurance, capability, and power of our ATVs, or All-Terrain Vehicles, your well-being is our main priority. When working outdoors and travelling across uneven terrain, you may encounter various hazards. That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to ATV safety—from what to wear while riding to essential pre-ride checks. Read on to learn more, so you can ride with confidence.

Why is ATV safety important?

ATVs are an invaluable tool for navigating uneven ground and are essential for outdoor work, such as on a farm. However, like any powerful piece of equipment, they need to be used with care.

Every year, more than 1,000 serious injuries are caused by ATV accidents. Understanding the risks and respecting the capabilities of your ATV can help prevent incidents.

While designed for rough terrain, ATVs do have limits. Steep hills, boggy ground, and unexpected obstacles can present challenges. Their high centre of gravity can make them prone to tipping, especially if they are incorrectly sized or poorly handled.

Following ATV safety guidelines benefits not just you but also your surroundings. Riding responsibly minimises environmental damage, such as deep ruts and excessive dust, helping to preserve the land.

What should you check before riding?

Before riding your ATV, it’s essential to familiarise yourself with the owner’s manual. Every model is unique, so understanding its specific controls and features is key.

A quick safety checklist should include the following:

• Tyre pressure

• Brakes

• Lights

• Oil

• Fuel

• Throttle

In addition, check the handlebars, steering mechanisms, and core driving functions for damage or wear. Ensuring your ATV is appropriately sized for you is equally important. A vehicle that’s too large or small can hinder control and increase the risk of accidents.

Registering your ATV

If you plan to use your ATV on public roads in the UK, it must be registered, taxed, and equipped with road-legal features such as lights and a license plate. Check the DVLA website for full requirements.

What protective gear should you wear?

Protective equipment is essential for staying safe while operating an ATV. Key items include:

• Full-face helmet – A helmet protects your head and face in case of an accident. If you plan to register your ATV to become road-legal in the UK, the helmet must meet safety standards and carry the BSI Kitemark.

• Goggles – If your helmet doesn’t have a visor, goggles shield your eyes from dust and debris, which is essential on vehicles without windshields. Polarised lenses can also reduce sun glare.

• Gloves – Protect your hands from flying debris and ensure a firm grip on controls. Gloves also prevent blisters during long rides.

• Long-sleeved tops and trousers – These provide protection from scrapes, scratches, and sunburn, especially when riding through rough or overgrown terrain.

How can you ride responsibly?

Riding responsibly doesn’t have to mean moving at a snail’s pace, but off-road safety does mean staying aware of your surroundings and riding sensibly at all times.

If you’re navigating particularly difficult terrain, slow down to a comfortable speed. Likewise, if you’re riding at dusk or in the dark, take extra care and reduce your speed. Avoid ‘overdriving’ your lights—riding so fast that you can’t see obstacles ahead or stop in time.

Passengers

In the UK, ATVs are single-rider vehicles and should not carry passengers. This is especially true for agricultural quad bikes, which are designed with only a driver’s seat. Carrying passengers on these vehicles is both unsafe and illegal and could result in a fine of up to £2,500 and 3 penalty points.

UTVs, on the other hand, can carry passengers but only if they are seated properly in designated seats. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure the safety of all riders.

Navigating tough terrain

Before heading out into tough terrain, you should be comfortable with the general controls of an ATV. You should know how to speed up and slow down, how to brake and how to park your ATV safely. While ATVs may bear some resemblance to cars, they handle quite differently.

• Because the majority of ATVs have a solid rear axle, you’ll need to adjust your position as you corner. But you’ll also need to shift in your seat to keep your centre of gravity low when climbing or descending steep hills or embankments.

• If you’re taking a corner slowly, put your foot on the outside of the footrest while leaning into the corner. Alternatively, if you’re taking a corner at speed, you’ll need to lean into it as momentum will attempt to throw you and the ATV wide.

• When ascending an incline, climb in a low gear and lean forward. When descending, shift your weight backwards.

Preparing for emergencies

Emergencies can strike at any time, which is why it’s important to always be prepared. We recommend carrying the following safety gear when you head out on your ATV:

• First aid kit – Complete with plasters, bandages and wipes.

• Survival kit – Think survival bag, emergency food, a map and a source of light.

• Mobile phone – Ensure yours is fully charged and has a signal if possible.

Alongside carrying the basics, we strongly recommend you inform others of your riding plans in advance. For example, where you’re going, how long you’re going for and when you expect to be back. That way, if the worst happens, it should be easier to find you.

How far you’re travelling may determine your level of preparedness. But whether it’s a short trip or a long one, it’s always best to have plans in place for an emergency.

Why is ongoing training important for ATV riders?

No matter how competent you feel when riding your ATV, it can never hurt to undergo further training to improve your skills. On top of this, many insurers will require you to sign up for proof of training. And if you employ people, you could be breaking the law by not providing certified training.

Fortunately, there are a number of courses that can provide professional training, no matter your proficiency. EASI-certified courses can provide you with everything you need to drive an ATV or UTV safely, covering everything from sharp turns to risk awareness.

Why choose a Honda ATV?

Safety and confidence go hand in hand with Honda's commitment to quality. That’s why every Honda ATV comes with a free EASI Rider Training course. Provided by the European All-Terrain Vehicle Safety Institute, this course is designed to equip riders with essential skills for safe and efficient operation.

Whether you’re new to ATVs or looking to refine your expertise, this hands-on training ensures you get the most out of your Honda ATV while prioritising safety. It’s just another way Honda delivers exceptional value and support to its riders.

You can also read more of our useful ATV guides over on our blog.