If you’re never heard of an ATV before, it stands for an all-terrain vehicle. ATVs are small, motorized, four-wheeled conveyances that one person can operate and customize with things like lights and mb whips.
You also might be able to carry one passenger on an ATV. Like motorcycles, many people don’t just regard ATVs as a way to get around. There is an entire lifestyle that goes along with them.
You might decide that the adrenaline rush you get from these vehicles appeals to you. They cost anywhere from $5,000-$15,000 or so, and maybe you want to splurge and get one for yourself as a gift.
Before you take the plunge, you should consider both the pros and cons. We’ll go over both right now.
They’re Potentially Dangerous
ATVs can certainly be fun, but many accidents happen when someone uses one in an unsafe manner. In a recent year, there were 264 ATV-related fatalities. That same year, emergency rooms had to deal with an additional 81,000 ATV-related injuries.
Those numbers make clear what can happen if you operate one of these vehicles and you don’t know what you’re doing. You should take lessons before you use one. There are places that will show you how to operate an ATV for a nominal fee.
You should also find an appropriate spot where you can use yours. You might locate a national park or some other piece of land with trails you can follow. You need to go slowly enough that you can stop in time if you see something ahead of you obstructing the path.
They’re Even Deadlier When You Add Alcohol or Drugs
If you are going to get one, once you’ve had your lessons and you’ve found a suitable place to try yours out, you never want to add alcohol or drugs to the equation. ATVs seem to attract rebellious individuals.
Many people use them safely, but others ingest alcohol before using theirs, or perhaps they smoke marijuana or use other substances.
That’s never a good idea. You want your head clear when you operate any motorized vehicle, and an ATV is no exception. They can usually go up to about 50-60 miles per hour, and some high-end ones can even reach 70 or 80.
At those speeds, if you’ve been consuming alcohol or other substances, a rock or fallen tree branch in your path can cause you to fly off and hit your head. Even if you’re wearing a helmet, you’ll be lucky to escape with just a concussion. You could easily break a limb or even your neck.
They’re Fun
As for ATV ownership pros, the fun has to be the biggest one. There’s no denying that once you try one for the first time, you’re probably going to enjoy it. They’re not for everyone, but many people who crave an adrenaline rush can’t get enough once they operate one for the first time.
You can explore new territory on one. If you love the outdoors, this is an entirely new way for you to experience it.
You Can Meet New People with Your ATV
Like other hobbies, ATV owners often find that there’s an active community that loves to ride just as much as they do. You might find an online ATV-lover forum.
There, you can talk to like-minded people. You might decide to get together with some of them so you can enjoy each other’s company.
Some people find their significant others through their mutual ATV appreciation. If you meet someone a little bit wild, showing them a good time with your ATV is a possible way to impress them.
You Can Spend Time with Your Family on One
You also might get an ATV, or more than one, and spend time with your family enjoying them. There are smaller ones for teenagers, and you might get one for your teen and another for yourself.
You can get out in nature and have some bonding time. It’s a lot more thrilling than having a board game night or watching some movies via a streaming service.
Ultimately, the ATV lifestyle can provide some thrills, but it can also be dangerous if you get too careless or reckless. If you have the money, there’s no reason not to try one out, just so long as you wear a helmet and use common sense.
Any time you’re going much faster than you should, or you’re drinking or ingesting drugs prior to ATV use, that’s when you need to take a step back and reconsider your behavior.
