PHOENIX — If you are planning to take your off-highway vehicle out for a spin this holiday weekend, the Arizona Game and Fish Department has some tips to stay safe.
The government agency cited data from the Consumer Federation of America that last year saw 632 off-highway vehicle fatalities. Besides this number being 127% higher than 2023, July 4 specifically stands out as the day with the most fatalities, as 69 have occurred between 2013 and 2021.
Here are tips for off-highway vehicle safety this weekend
- Gear up: Always wear a helmet and a seatbelt. Dress yourself in a long-sleeved shirt and put on high-top boots.
- Speed advisory: Drive at a reasonable speed. Don’t push your vehicle’s limit.
- Ride with recommended amount of passengers: Only ride your vehicle with its recommended capacity. AZGFD said many reported accidents occur when a vehicle is overloaded.
- Be prepared: Plan out your route beforehand and make sure other people are aware of it in case of emergency. Always have a map, water, food and other first-aid kit materials with you.
- Don’t ride alone: Never go out by yourself, especially because of the Valley heat.
“We see many people out enjoying Arizona’s roads and trails around the holidays, especially over the Fourth of July weekend,” said Kim Jackson, AZGFD boating and OHV safety education program manager. “We want everyone who spends time on their OHV to have a fun outing and, more importantly, return home safely.”
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