Side-By-Side Safety

You can’t beat the usefulness and versatility of side-by-sides, also called UTVs. These vehicles are capable of hauling heavy cargo, towing equipment and taking multiple passengers and their tools across the job site. You can also use them for off-roading fun or riding a trail with your friends and family. Side-by-sides prove their utility time and again with how often owners find reasons to use them for work and recreational purposes.

When you’re riding a side-by-side, it’s important that you follow some basic safety practices. Here at 2Brothers Powersports in Onalaska, Wisconsin, we know a thing or two about side-by-sides and how to stay safe while riding them. We’ve prepared this guide to side-by-side safety to help you get geared up for a fun and safe trip, whether you’re off-roading or riding around a trail.

Get The Right Gear

When you ride a side-by-side, it’s important to have the right safety gear for yourself and for your passengers. 

• Helmets - Everyone should wear a well-fitting helmet that has a high crash test rating. Either motorcycle helmets or motocross helmets will work for this. The latter option is lighter in weight and will be more comfortable at slower speeds, but you’ll need to wear goggles with it for eye protection. Meanwhile, motorcycle helmets provide full-face protection with visors, but can be hot and heavy to wear on a UTV.
• Protective Clothing - Your attire should be protective since the open sides of a UTV can mean that you get banged up pretty easily otherwise. Long sleeves and pants, gloves and boots will keep you from getting scratched up by branches and underbrush. 
• Extra Supplies - In your cargo compartment, you should carry an emergency radio, a flashlight, a repair kit with tire patches, and a first aid kit to treat minor illnesses and injuries.

Supervise Children

Whether kids are riding as passengers or old enough to operate a UTV themselves, it’s very important that they be supervised regardless. Teens able to operate a UTV should take a safety course if possible and be well-versed in all the controls and functions. Make sure they ride a safe trail without obstacles and go at lower speeds. Also, impress upon them the importance of being sober and not taking risks while they ride.

Never ride with very young children as UTVs cannot hold a carseat. Children should wear helmets and protective gear and keep their hands and feet in the side-by-side while it’s in motion. Make sure they know not to be distracting to the driver, too.

Drive Sober

While operating heavy machinery like a side-by-side, you should be as focused and alert as possible. Never drink alcohol or use drugs before or while you operate your side-by-side. Alcohol and drugs slow your reflexes, impair your focus, and make you take risks you shouldn’t. You’re much more likely to get into an accident while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Be smart and only drink water to stay hydrated while you ride. 

Stay On The Path

When you’re new to UTV riding, it’s important to not take undue risks. Riding behind another, more experienced side-by-side rider can help you stay safe because they can guide you along a safer path and prevent you from hitting obstacles. When riding on trails, don’t go off the trail because you could damage the surrounding environment and hurt wildlife. You also won’t be able to foresee any obstacles in the path if you stray from the trail.

In Closing

With these tips we know you're prepared to stay safe out there and have fun with your side-by-side. If you have any questions or need help finding gear, our capable staff can also answer any further questions you might have about UTV safety. 

Need to get your own side-by-side for work or recreation? Come down to our Onalaska dealership to see our full inventory of new and used side by sides. 2Brothers Powersports is conveniently near La Crosse, Madison and Eau Claire, Wisconsin. We also happily serve our customers coming over from Winona, Minnesota!