All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) Safety All-Terrain Vehicles are a past time many people enjoy. However, they also present their own risks. The ATV Safety Institute promotes the following rules when operating an ATV: Always wear a DOT-compliant helmet, goggles, long sleeves, long pants, over-the-ankle boots and gloves Never ride on paved roads except to cross when done safely and permitted by law. ATVs are designed to be operated off-highway Never ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs Never carry a passenger on a single-rider ATV and no more than one passenger on an ATV specifically designed for two people Ride an ATV that is right for your age Supervise riders younger than 16; ATVs are not toys Ride only on designated trails and at a safe speed CASE STUDY: A 24 year old SrA was operating an ATV (with a 25 year old SSgt passenger) on a gravel road at a high rate of speed. The SrA encountered a sharp right turn and lost control, rolled the ATV and struck a fence. The SrA received minor cuts and bruises, and the SSgt passenger received a concussion and fractured shoulder. The state highway patrolmen who investigated the mishap determined the SrA operator was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the mishap.