Written by: Sam Jacobs
(These tips work for UTVs as well)
ATV rollovers are unfortunately part of the learning curve, and are sometimes inevitable when riding on rough terrain. Some would even say that you aren’t truly riding your ATV if you haven’t had a rollover.
But, just because rollovers are common, it doesn’t mean they aren’t risky. Part of being a responsible ATV rider is knowing what steps to take after a rollover.
1. Turn Off the ATV
The first thing to do after a rollover (even if someone is trapped under the ATV) is to turn it off. Leaving the ATV running can cause potential dangers such as:
- Fires: Fuel leaks or heat from the engine can ignite if the ATV is left running.
- Movement or Shifting: A running engine may cause the vehicle to shift or move unexpectedly, causing injury.
2. Remove the ATV from Anyone Trapped
Older first aid protocols said to leave the ATV in place until medical aid arrives. This is no longer the case: Call for help and then remove the ATV immediately.
The reason is that most ATV rollover deaths are due to asphyxiation. If the ATV is blocking blood flow, it can also cause toxins related to the crushing injury to build up in the body. The longer the ATV stays on the rider, the bigger the risk of death is.
Most lightweight ATVs (around 300lbs) can be flipped over manually. If you are riding heavier ATVs or in a UTV, it’s worth keeping an electric jack (like this one by AGM) specifically for this reason.
What if you are riding alone and get trapped under your ATV?
Unfortunately, there are a lot of news reports of this happening. In some cases, riders were left trapped overnight before help arrived. Yes, people do die this way.
Since you may not be able to free yourself from an ATV, you need to be prepared for this scenario. You should:
- Avoid riding alone.
- Always tell someone where you are going and when you will return.
- Keep a phone or emergency communication device somewhere accessible, so you can call for help if trapped.
3. Assess for Hazards
Assess the scene for any potential hazards. For example, check whether the ATV is on a steep slope and could roll over onto someone, or whether there are any fuel leaks that pose a fire hazard.
If you suspect a hazard, get out of the danger zone. Only then should you proceed to the next step.
4. First Aid Check
Adrenaline can run high after a rollover, making it hard to notice injuries. Because of this, it’s important that you do a thorough first aid check.
As a general rule, you should never move an injured person. The only exception is if they need to be moved out of the way of danger, such as if the ATV might slide or flip onto them.
5. Right the ATV
To right a flipped ATV:
- Assess the slope: Stand on the uphill side if the ATV is on a slope to avoid it rolling onto you.
- Grip the ATV: Hold a sturdy part, such as the handlebars, frame, or rack, for better control.
- Use your body weight: Bend your knees, keep your back straight, and use your legs and core to lift or push.
- Roll it gently: Push or pull to roll the ATV back onto its wheels. Avoid jerking movements to maintain control.
6. Evaluate the ATV
You need to wait at least 5 minutes after getting the ATV back on the rubber before you start it. This is to give time for the oil to drain back into the sump.
While you wait, evaluate the ATV for damage. You should check:
- Fuel tank and fluids: Check for fuel leaks or any other fluid leaks. Don’t start the vehicle if it is covered in fluids.
- Wheels and tires: Make sure these aren’t damaged, punctured, or loose.
- Controls: Including throttle, control cables, clutch levers, and brakes.
- Frame: Make sure the ATV frame isn’t dented severely and no parts are interfering with the movement.
It also won’t hurt to pull the spark plugs out and crank it over a few times (in case any oil went down the intake). Only do this if you know how to, though. Post-rollover isn’t the time to learn ATV maintenance and repair!
When riding in remote areas, remember that you could find yourself in a situation where it’s unsafe to ride your ATV out. You need to be prepared with basic wilderness survival supplies and know-how.
7. Ride Carefully
If the ATV seems to be in good condition, turn it on. Ride very slowly and cautiously at first. Check the brakes and whether the wheels turn in both directions without any problems.
It’s best to cut your ride short and go home right away so you can do a more detailed check for damage.
8. Learn from the Experience
Once the adrenaline has worn off, think about what caused the rollover and how you can avoid it in the future.
And, this might be a good time to reassess your bail-out plan. Remember, it’s better to bail out and face a few bruises and some minor damage to your ATV than it is to have serious injuries!
About Author:
Sam Jacobs is a writer and chief historian at Ammo. As a self-proclaimed outdoorsman, it’s his responsibility to use his knowledge and experience to educate others about ammunition, the outdoors, and conservation.
