It’s always fun to go off-roading—especially on an all-terrain vehicle. Feeling the wind against your body, the power of the machine and breezing through the countryside or a designated trail makes for a fun afternoon, especially with fellow riders.
However, when operating an ATV, safety should be a top priority. The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission released a report in May 2025 that found that, in a three year-period between 2019-21, there were 1,697 fatal incidents associated with an ATV, against a total of 2,509 fatal incidents across all off-highway vehicles.
The ATV Safety Institute defines all-terrain vehicles as “motorized off-highway vehicle designed to travel on four low-pressure or nonpneumatic tires, having a seat designed to be straddled by the operator and handlebars for steering control.” From there, ATVs come in a variety of designs—some can carry just an operator; some also can carry a passenger. They come in varying sizes and weights, too. One thing to remember is that ATVs are not one size fits all: to ride an ATV safely, you must find one that’s right for you.
Typically, ATVs are used to go on off-road excursions, and they carry unique risks compared to other four-wheeled motor vehicles. For instance, off-road driving means that an operator might encounter more natural hazards, or driving at high speeds carries a risk of the ATV flipping over. You also need to wear proper gear to protect yourself from the elements or other natural hazards, like tree branches or large puddles.
Like with any motor vehicle, you’re also going to want to keep track of its maintenance—faulty brakes or steering can turn a fun outdoor adventure into a trip to the hospital. In case there is mechanical failure or injury, it’s important to inform people of your route and how long you plan to be gone before you head out on your ride.
When it comes to insuring an ATV, it has coverage for similar hazards on an automobile. For instance, there’s collision, liability, comprehensive, and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Some insurance providers also offer medical payments coverage for you and your passenger after an accident.
If you’ve already purchased an ATV, or are strongly considering getting one, speak with your independent insurance professional. Your agent will be able to go in-depth into what kind of coverage options fit your needs as you cruise down trails or through other scenic, off-road routes. Driving an ATV is fun, but safety and the right coverage are key.
Matt McDonough is PIA Northeast's writer, editor and content curator. Matt joined PIA Northeast in September 2023. Before that, he had been an editor for the online entertainment magazine Collider from 2021-23 as a copy editor for its lists section. Matt entered the world of journalism at his alma mater, SUNY New Paltz, writing and reporting for the college's student run newspaper, The New Paltz Oracle. He graduated from SUNY New Paltz with a Bachelor of Arts in English and a minor in Creative Writing in 2020.
