How to Ride a 4-Wheeler With a Child

Riding a 4-wheeler with your child is a great way to spend the day filled with fun and excitement. However, certain responsibility and caution must be met, for you as well as your small passenger.  Depending on the age of your child you should also explain safety rules along with the "dos and don'ts" while riding along.   

ATVs and 4-wheelers have been found to be more dangerous than dirt bikes and as dangerous as motorcycles.  No one is too old or too young to follow proper precautions.

• Wear proper protective equipment.  Always wear a helmet - this applies to the driver as well as your child.  Most manufacturers recommend a DOT (Department of Transportation) approved helmet.  Also recommended are goggles or protective eyewear, gloves, riding boots (no sandals or open-toed shoes) and it is a good idea to wear long pants.


• Slow down.  You run the risk of loosing control of the vehicle at higher speeds.  Going at a slow speed gives you time to think before you run into a pot hole, hit a bump or come in contact with obstacles in the road.


• Stay on a paved road; be familiar with your environment.  Do not run the risk of getting stuck in the mud or falling into ditches.  Avoid going over hills and slopes until you are aware of your child's comfort level.


• Have the child sit in front of you if the child is very small and cannot hang on.  If the child is old enough to hang on then they can ride behind you.


• Ensure the vehicle is running properly, including the brakes.


• Be responsible.  Do not pop wheelies, gun the accelerator, do tricks or turn corners at a high speed.  Remember, you have more weight on the vehicle making it that much harder to shift and distribute your weight.


• The child is never to get off the vehicle until completely stopped.


• The child is never to start the vehicle or ride alone.  This is a powerful vehicle, not a toy, and the child must be made aware this can cause serious injury.

You also might be interested in taking a safety and education training course with your child once they are of age.  Depending on which state you reside some states have a minimum requirement for minor children to be allowed to ride on state land.