ATV & UTV Safety Tips

Safety on the road, track or trail is a big deal to Dale Earnhardt Jr. That’s why he’s teaming up with Nationwide to help spread awareness of off-road vehicle safety.

“I consider myself a champion for ATV and UTV safety. That’s why I’m excited to be part of Nationwide’s Let’s Champion Rider Safety® campaign focused on connecting ATV and UTV users to safety resources and encouraging families to start a conversation about responsible riding,” Earnhardt said. "As an experienced driver, I know the importance of being safe and responsible on the road or on the track. And it's the same thing with ATVs/UTVs.”

Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Nationwide are stepping up as champions for UTV and ATV safety

Watch Dale Jr. share tips to help keep yourself and others safe

Alarming trends call for heightened attention to ATV safety

The North American ATV and UTV market is set to grow from $9.90 billion in 2025 to $14.41 billion by 2030.¹ Many of these machines are on U.S. farms, where accident numbers are rising. The Consumer Federation of America reports 632 off-highway vehicle (OHV) operators died from preventable accidents in 2024, a sharp increase from 2023; 119 victims were under 16. These statistics highlight the urgent need for safety to prevent such tragedies, especially for young ATV riders and families.

“As a protection company, we at Nationwide see these trends as a call for heightened attention to safe, responsible vehicle operation,” said Dirk Pollitt, Senior Vice President, Nationwide Agribusiness Distribution & Underwriting. “These powerful machines are popular for both work and recreation. It’s the right time to raise ATV/UTV safety awareness for farmers, ranchers and their families — especially their youngest members.”

Youth ATV safety on the farm

Advocating for rider safety comes in all forms—and all ages. See how these two young riders are becoming safety champions.

Become an ATV/UTV safety champion

Get your ATV/UTV advocate toolkit (PDF)

Download your free toolkit to promote rider safety in your community.

Request your VR Experience (Coming Soon!)

Request the Let's Champion Rider Safety Virtual Reality Experience for your next event or instructional session at no cost.

Follow ATV/UTV safety tips (PDF)

Know and follow essential safety tips and protect you, your family and your team.

More resources

Know the ATV/UTV regulations in your state

ATV Safety Institute

Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association

A shared commitment to ATV/UTV safety born from first-hand experience

Nationwide associates are no strangers to off-road vehicle safety. Some have first-hand experience with not just mitigating the many hazards of operating one of the machines but also just how much impact an accident can have on a family. It’s a big reason why we’re committed to ensuring everyone who operates an ATV or UTV strictly follows safety protocols and takes all the right precautions.

Gratitude after a painful UTV accident

Nationwide Casualty Claims Manager Jennifer Johnston’s daughter, Grace, was injured after rolling a UTV on the family farm. After almost a month in the hospital and multiple surgeries, Grace is grateful her injuries weren’t worse. The incident serves as a reminder of the hazards of ATV/UTVs.

"I thought I lost him"

Safety is always top-of-mind when Nationwide Powersports Product Manager David Russell rides an off-road vehicle. But accidents happen, and recollections of when his son — who was wearing full protective equipment — wrecked an ATV at age 12 are still fresh in Russell’s mind years later.

No bending the safety rules on this family farm

Never ride alone, always wear your safety belt and make sure you have the right protective gear. These are just a few of the ATV/UTV safety rules on Nationwide Senior Consultant Erin Cumings’ family farm for her daughter and friends when they use these machines.

Educating youth on safety in our local communities

Nationwide partnered with the RideSafe Foundation to hold safety events at three schools in central Iowa training approximately 2000 kids from K - 12 grade. They learned about how to ride safely and were fitted with helmets properly.

Whether you’re on a farm, construction site or trail, the right coverage is essential

Learn how ATV and UTV insurance works and explore coverage options available through Nationwide.

ATVs and UTVs licensed for road use may need coverage through a commercial auto policy or a recreational vehicle policy. To learn more, talk with a local Nationwide Farm Certified agent.