Five Things You Should Never Do on Your UTV Rides

Before you embark on your debut off-road adventure trip, you'll want to familiarize yourself with these few UTV do’s and don’ts that we have rounded up for you. Follow the tips and make your experiences safe and pleasant on the trail. And, if you have any questions, visit PrairieLand Partners to get your concerns addressed by our experts. We are happy to serve all of Kansas, so come down to our dealership near you.

1. Driving Unprotected

UTV accidents are common, which is why you must make sure that you and your passengers are well-protected while exploring the trails. Some of the essential pieces of protective gear that you must wear include a bright-colored riding suit or jacket, riding boots, a well-fitting helmet, and goggles.

2. Driving Alone

Once you have geared yourself up, make sure that you are traveling in a group or along with at least one other vehicle. If your side-by-side breaks down or you lose your way, a second vehicle can help you fix your machine or go and get help. Even if you’re exploring a popular area with many UTV enthusiasts around you, you’ll still want to stay with a group.

3. Tailgating Another Vehicle

Though you must avoid driving alone, never tailgate another vehicle as it can be dangerous. If the UTV in front of you has to make a sudden stop, the lack of distance (between you and them) and less reaction time can lead to a collision.

So, even if you’re following another vehicle, make sure that you can see the road ahead of you, and the distance is sufficient to let you react in case of an emergency.

4. Adding Extra Seats to Your UTV

If your side-by-side is a two-seater, never try to make it a four-seater by adding extra seats to the rear. As your UTV's structure cannot support more than two passengers, the additional weight can throw the vehicle’s center of gravity off and cause it to flip backward. This can lead to you and your passengers sustaining injuries and even putting others around you at risk. If you must bring along more passengers on your trips than your side-by-side can handle, consider buying a bigger UTV.

5. Driving with One Hand

Off-road vehicles are fun to ride and offer you the thrill you deserve. However, you must avoid getting too comfortable driving your UTV that you begin to drive carelessly. One thing that you’ll want to avoid at all costs is driving your side-by-side with one hand.

When navigating unfamiliar terrain, you must be fully alert and prepared to respond quickly and safely. Having both hands on the wheel will give you the control you need to react to unpredictable situations. So, act responsibly and create pleasant memories from your outdoor experiences.

We hope these tips help you avoid some of the common mistakes that adventure enthusiasts make. If you have any questions or are still in the market for a new side-by-side, visit PrairieLand Partners. Our experts can address all of your concerns and show you our selection of UTVs for sale. We proudly serve the state of Kansas, so check out any of our locations near you.