DNR: Stay Safe While Operating Off-Road Vehicles

With warmer weather ahead, Indiana Conservation Officers reminds the public to operate ORVs responsibly.

Shutterstock photo.

INDIANAPOLIS - With the coming of warmer weather, off-road vehicle (ORV) enthusiasts are eager to ride. Indiana Conservation Officers reminds the public to operate ORVs responsibly and remember to follow these safety rules:

• Always wear a Department of Transportation (DOT)-compliant helmet. All riders under 18 years of age are required by law to wear a helmet while operating an ORV. Goggles, long sleeves, long pants, and over-the-ankle boots are also recommended.
• Never operate or ride while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Never carry a passenger on an ORV designated for one occupant, and don’t ride with more than one passenger on an ORV specifically designed for two occupants.
• Children should only ride ORVs if they meet the minimum age designated by the manufacturer of that ORV.
• Riders younger than 14 years of age are required to be supervised by an adult at all times when riding an ORV.
• ORVs are primarily designed to be operated off-road and should be operated at a speed where the operator can control the ORV and stop in time to avoid a collision.
• On side-by-side style ORVs, in addition to helmets and other safety equipment, seat belts should be worn by the operator and any passengers.

To learn more about ORV safety visit offroad-ed.com/indiana and register for a comprehensive online off-road recreational vehicle course.