ATV Maine Urges Riders to Put Safety First
- 2 hours ago
- 2 min read
Recent ATV-related fatalities in Maine are a sobering reminder that a day of riding can change in an instant.
Following two fatal ATV-related incidents in Maine over the same weekend, Maine Public spoke with state officials and ATV Maine about rider safety, training and the steps riders can take to reduce the risk of serious accidents.
ATV Maine Public Relations representative John Raymond spoke with Maine Public about the importance of educating riders early and providing young riders with opportunities to develop practical skills.
Safety Starts with Experience
ATV Maine’s Safety Trailer Program gives young riders the opportunity to learn by doing, practicing essential riding skills in a controlled environment with experienced instructors.
ATV Maine Safety Trailer used for hands-on ATV safety training ATV Maine Safety Trailer Course Young rider wearing a helmet practices ATV handling skills during an ATV Maine safety course
From navigating simulated trail features to learning proper ATV handling, the goal is to help young riders build safe habits and confidence before they encounter those situations out on Maine’s trails.
Building Safe Riders from the Beginning
Safety isn't something that begins after an accident. It begins before the machine ever hits the trail.
Maine requires ATV safety education for certain young operators, but ATV Maine believes hands-on experience can play an important role in helping young riders understand how a machine handles and how to react to real riding conditions.
ATV Maine offers a six-hour youth ATV Safety Course taught by a certified instructor. The program covers proper operation and riding skills, equipment and maintenance, Maine laws, emergencies and survival, map and compass skills, first aid, and environmental and landowner ethics.
ATV Maine's Safety Trailer Program takes that education one step further by giving young riders an opportunity to practice in a controlled environment. Riders encounter trail signs, simulated bridges and other features designed to introduce situations they may eventually encounter on Maine's trails.
As Raymond told Maine Public, ATV Maine believes that teaching responsible operation early can establish habits that stay with riders throughout their lives.
The Basics Still Matter
Experience doesn't make a rider immune to an accident.
Changing terrain, speed, unexpected obstacles and momentary lapses in attention can turn familiar surroundings into dangerous situations. Maine officials emphasized several basic precautions following the recent fatalities, including wearing a helmet, using seat belts or harnesses when the machine is equipped with them, paying attention to changing terrain and conditions, and controlling speed.
Those aren't precautions just for new riders. They're habits every rider should practice on every ride.
Make ATV Safety Part of Every Ride
ATV Maine's mission includes promoting safe and responsible ATV use throughout Maine. That means educating new riders, supporting experienced riders and giving families and clubs access to resources that can help everyone come home safely.
Our ATV Safety page brings those resources together in one place, including:
ATV safety courses and youth training
The ATV Maine Safety Trailer Program
Maine ATV safety course information
ATV trail signage
ATV and trailer safety checklists
Volunteer search information
We also encourage riders to read Maine Public's recent coverage, which includes perspectives from the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and ATV Maine on what riders and families can do to make ATV recreation safer.
The trails are meant to be enjoyed. Take the extra few minutes. Wear the protective equipment. Buckle up. Slow down when conditions call for it. Teach young riders the right habits from the beginning.
Ride Right. Ride Safe.