Here are their top ten tips for having fun while riding safe!

Before you start your engine, you need to get to know your machine and figure out how to ride it. Take a certified ATV course such as the one offered by the ATV Safety Institute. It's fun! You'll learn how to start and stop (very important!) and handle obstacles while gaining other critical skills.

Is it a good idea to drive a front-end loader by just jumping on and starting the engine? No! An ATV may not be quite as powerful, but it also needs an experienced, mature driver. Your ATV needs to fit you (see Tip #10), but you also have to use good judgement to ride safely.
If you're under 18, ride with an adult!

No, really, ALWAYS WEAR A HELMET! It should be specially approved for ATV use - don't just grab your bicycle helmet. People who wear helmets have a better chance of avoiding head injuries. While you're at it, wear eye protection, boots, gloves, and other riding gear.

That's right. Paved surfaces are for automobiles only, repeat, paved surfaces are for automobiles, bicycles, skateboards, and skates, but again, not for ATVs. ATV tires are designed to grip dirt better. So stay on unpaved trails.

When you ride an ATV, you use your weight to balance and control the vehicle. If you've got a passenger, you can't possibly know how they are going to move. Subtle shifts can cause you to lose control of the ATV. So always ride alone! The only exception to this rule is a two-up, or tandem ATV. A two-up machine can handle one rider and one passenger.

On a two-up machine, never carry a passenger too small to firmly plant feet on footrests and securely grasp hand holds. The passenger must alway use an approved helmet and protective gear, securely grasp hand holds and plant feet firmly on footrests while seated in the passenger seat, tell the operator to slow down or stop if uncomfortable, and get off and walk if conditions require.

Riding ATVs means that you have to make adult-like decisions constantly. You have to keep your speed low enough to handle surprises (like darting squirrels). You have to decide not to leap before you look. (Your ATV has maximum control if it's wheels are in contact with the ground.) Jumps, wheelies, and other stunts mean that fate is in control, not you!

It takes a lot of skill to ride an ATV from point A to point B. If you ride while drinking alcohol or using drugs, you may never reach point B.

If you ride the same trail over and over again, you will probably know its turns and grooves like the back of your hand. Chances are, you won't run into any surprises, and you can focus on the fun.
If you try a new trail, scout it first, looking for obstacles such as logs, drop offs, and other dangers.

Each province has different laws about where to ride, how old you must be to ride, and the type of training you need (and you do need training). Check these laws, IGNORANCE IS NO EXCUSE!

It is extremely important that your ATV fits you like a glove. But how do you know if you're riding a machine that's too big or too small? Read, understand, and respect the following guidelines!

Clearance between the ATV seat and inseam while standing up on footpegs:
Three to six inches should be a minimum clearance between your ATV seat and inseam, while standing up on the footpegs. This proper clearance lets you stand up and absorb shocks through your legs while riding on rough terrain. It minimizes the chance that your seat will hit you during a ride, throwing you over the handlebars.
Proper clearance also improves visibility and comfort.

Upper Legs: The upper portion of your leg, roughly from the top of the knee to the hip, should be about horizontal. A little above or below horizontal shouldn't be a problem, but huge differences (knees jutting below or above the hips) should be checked by an adult. if your knees are quite a bit above your hips, turn the handlebars in both directions and check for contact with knees or legs. This important fit area helps keep you in control of your vehicle.

Foot Length: Place the heel of your right shoe against the footpeg or in the proper position on the running board. Your toe should be able to depress the footbrake with a simple, downward rotation of your foot.
Check for any contact with engine or exhaust protrusions. You should be able to use the brakes consistently without hesitation. (The same rule applies to the left side of the ATV, where the gear shift (if equipped) is located. This will allow you to keep control of your vehicle.

Grip Reach: Sit normally on your ATV with your hands on the handlebars. Your elbows should have a distinct angle between your upper arm and forearm. If your elbows are straight, you won't be able to turn the handlebars. Make sure that you aren't leaning forward to compensate for a short reach. If your elbows are at less than right angles, you are too large for the ATV and steering will be difficult. This guideline helps you turn and steer your ATV and keeps you balanced.

Throttle Reach: With your right hand in the normal operating position, check to see if your thumb can easily operate the throttle. Turn the handlebars to the extreme left and right positions. Check again for any interference with easy operation. This keeps you in control of speed and handling.

Brake Reach: Place your hands in the normal operating position with your fingers extended. Check to see if the first joint (from the tip) of your middle finger extends beyond the brake lever. If not, your hand is too small to effectively grasp the lever in an emergency. Make sure your thumb also reaches the engine stop switch. Squeeze the brake lever a few times to be sure you can comfortably operate the controls. Following the guideline keeps you in control of stopping.

From the ATV Safety Institute (http://www.atvsafety.org/)