Always wear your helmet when hitting the trail

PHOENIX — With the weekends surrounding the Fourth of July quickly approaching, the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) reminds everyone planning to hit the trails on off-highway vehicles (OHV) to be safe and ride responsibly.

“We strongly recommend that all operators and passengers wear a helmet, whether you’re riding an all-terrain vehicle, side-by-side or a dirt bike,” said Josh Hurst, off-highway vehicle law enforcement coordinator for the AZGFD. “Riders younger than 18 are legally required to wear a Department of Transportation-approved helmet, but it’s a good safety best practice for everyone.”

In addition to always wearing a helmet, ride safely by following these practices:

• Wear a seat belt at all times if the OHV is equipped with it.
• Only carry the number of passengers recommended by the manufacturer for your vehicle. Often many accidents are the result of too many people riding a machine that was designed for fewer passengers.
• Wear riding goggles, a long-sleeved shirt, pants, riding gloves and over-the-ankle boots.
• Never ride alone.
• Be prepared and equipped with a map, first-aid kit and whistle, and have basic tools on hand.
• Stay on designated trails.

For more information about OHV riding in Arizona, including a list of locations to ride throughout the state, visit www.azgfd.gov/OHV.