Safety · February 2026 · 5 min read

ATV Safety: 10 Rules Every First-Timer Should Follow

ATVs are not dangerous if ridden correctly. Follow these 10 rules on any guided tour and you will be fine.

  1. Wear the helmet the operator provides. Always.
  2. Never drink alcohol before riding.
  3. Keep both hands on the handlebars.
  4. Follow the guide. Do not overtake.
  5. Slow down on blind curves.
  6. Lean forward when climbing, back when descending.
  7. Respect the speed limits the guide sets.
  8. Do not take kids under 16 on the driver seat unless the tour is explicitly kid-friendly.
  9. If you feel unsafe, stop and tell the guide.
  10. Skip the tour if you are pregnant or have back problems.

All tours listed on our destinations come from Viator-vetted operators who enforce these basics.