Many people will tell you that all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), often known as quad bikes or quads, are designed and built to be workhorses for tasks on farms and building sites. But in reality they are used as much as fun and sports vehicles as they are for more serious matters.

In short, an ATV resembles a motorbike with four large wheels. The operator straddles the all-terrain vehicle and steers it using handlebars. The large, wide wheels and powerful engines, usually about five hundred cc make them ideal for traveling on all kinds of terrain. However, ATVs can range anywhere in engine size from 50cc to 1,000cc.

ATVs are made by many of the big motorbike makers, like Honda, Yamaha and Kawasaki. There are 2 major kinds of quad bikes – utility and sport. Utility quads are meant for practical use like on the farm, while sport ATVs are meant for leisure pursuits.

There are some big differences between the 2. Sports quads are lighter and faster and are meant for jumps and stunts.

Utility all-terrain vehicles are slower and weigh more, and are generally designed for dealing with tougher ground and for dragging heavy objects.

Other common varieties of quads are youth quads, for children and teenagers, and side-by-sides, which have 2 seats and generally have roll bars, so are like buggies.

There is a wide range of accessories available for quad bikes and quad bike owners. These include safety gear such as helmets, eye wear, chest protectors and protective gloves, in addition to shirts, shorts and jerseys.

Despite the wide availability of protective equipment, ATVs have developed a reputation for being hazardous. There have been a number of deaths and injuries associated with quad bikes, though sometimes because of improper use.

That said, since they can hit high speeds on rugged terrain, safety should always be a concern. Here are some hints on how to stay safe on a quad:

* Take it slow, especially at the beginning. ATVs do not behave like cars or motorbikes, and have a tendency to drift at high speeds. Familiarize yourself with how to handle the quad bike before increasing your speed.

* It is important to wear a helmet and chest protector.

* If you use your ATV for recreational use, start off on easy ground. Find some beginners’ tracks with no excessively steep slopes or rough surfaces until you hone your skills.

* Keep your ATV in top condition. Like any vehicle they require regular maintenance. Always check brakes and tires before you take your ATV out, and frequently check cables, oil, coolant, chain and filters.

Quads generally cost about five thousand dollars to $10,000 and there is a big demand for second hand vehicles. So, whether you need a workhorse or a sports quad, you should be able to locate the best ATV for you.

Jim Samposzi is a gazetteer with more than 25 years editorial experience. Jim is working as a national correspondent with our b2b site and has become the resident expert on all terrain vehicles. Be sure to visit our great web portal for more information on Atv and All Terrain Vehicles.

In Ontario, Canada, there has been an encouraging decline of snowmobile related accidents from1997 to 2007. From 47, there has been a dramatic decline to 17 in ten years. Officials are happy to relay that probably people have gotten the message on how to safely enjoy the sport. Apparently, more sports enthusiasts are joining the bandwagon of responsible snowmobile riding. It has been noted that ninety percent of reported accidents happened off the legal trail.

Many experts will say that the most important advice a rider could follow is to stay on established trail systems. When out of the trails, there are many dangers abound. There are fences, rocks, and a multitude of unseen hazards. It is safe to speculate that those who decide to go off trail are irresponsible drivers who disregard safety precautions and do just about anything because they want to.

Taking a snowmobile out during off season is a very risky game. When balmy spring weather approaches, a snowmobile right could be a very bad idea. Some thrill seekers like to venture out as ice covered lakes are beginning to thaw. It wouldn’t be so bad to remember incidents of miss plunges that almost took the life of some sledders.

In 2006, in Fort McPherson, two men tried crossing a river in one vehicle when they ran into a patch of open water. One was pulled out by rescuers and was helped into a nearby health center and the other one was never found. Unfortunately, the one that was pulled out didn’t make it our of the center alive.

To lessen the risk of accidents, some officials have sanctioned precaution measures. In Middletown New York, it is imperative for riders to take and pass a Snowmobile Certification Course. The course provide instructions on proper riding, safety equipment, and the rules of the trail. The course is given by certified instructors.

One of the most successful measures place would be the requirement of a commercial guide for snowmobile riders in Yellowstone National Park. It has been reported that there was a dramatic fall on incidents of snowmobile riders harassing wildlife, venturing off limits, having accidents, violating speeding and safety precautions. The commercial guides are trained by park officials

Even snowmobile manufacturers have taken extra effort to improve the sport. At the moment there are rigs that have better machines and provide more comfort and security. The snowmobiles now provide more power for electrical accessories as well as making it cleaner & quieter. Some have communication devices that are built into helmets so riders can talk with one another without taking their concentration away from driving. The extra power even provides more juice for heating to make the riders more comfortable and capable.

Multiple measures have been designed to make the sport safer. Government officials and manufacturers have taken steps to contribute to the effort of making this sport safe and exciting. That is how it should stay. If all riders will learn to follow the sanctions designed for their protection, it is possible to make this sport 100% safe.