By Scout Nelson
Off-highway vehicles, or OHVs, are useful machines for farms, ranches, and outdoor activities. Farmers and ranchers use them for many jobs, including checking livestock, spraying, moving supplies, and traveling around their property. They are also popular for recreation.
However, OHVs can be dangerous when operators do not understand their size, weight, speed, or handling. North Dakota State University Extension safety specialists provide information to help users understand these risks and operate OHVs more safely.
OHV Crashes Can Cause Serious Injuries
OHV accidents can result in severe injuries and deaths. In 2024, North Dakota recorded 65 OHV crashes, causing three deaths and 72 injuries. So far in 2026, at least four OHV-related fatalities have occurred in the state.
National data also show the risks. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reported 2,577 OHV-related deaths from 2019 to 2024. North Dakota Health and Human Services Trauma Registry data also recorded 1,117 OHV-related trauma center admissions from 2015 to 2018.
Common crash injuries include head injuries, broken bones, and crush injuries. These injuries show why proper training and safety equipment are important for every OHV operator.
Know the Different Types of OHVs
OHVs include several types of vehicles. All-terrain vehicles, or ATVs, have a seat that the rider straddles and handlebars used for steering. Utility vehicles, or UTVs, are often called side-by-sides. The operator sits inside the vehicle and uses a steering wheel.
UTVs commonly carry passengers, while ATVs are generally designed for one rider. Golf carts and go-karts are other examples of vehicles that may be used away from regular roads.
Choose the Right Vehicle
The OHV should match the rider's age, size, and skill level. Youth should use machines made for their age and size. Many ATVs require riders to shift their body when turning, crossing slopes, or moving over obstacles.
Children under age 12 should not operate ATVs with engines larger than 70 cc. Riders under age 16 should not operate ATVs larger than 90 cc. A machine that is too large can make it difficult for a young rider to maintain control.
Operators should learn how the machine works before using it. Starting slowly gives new riders time to understand how the OHV responds. Youth operators can also take an approved safety training course.
Wear Protective Equipment
Helmets are essential and required by law for operators under the age of 18. Helmets should fit correctly and should not have cracks or other damage.
Long pants, closed-toe shoes, gloves, safety glasses or goggles, and a chest protector can provide additional protection. UTV operators should always wear seatbelts. A UTV's rollover protection structure cannot provide full protection if an occupant is thrown from the vehicle.
Drive Carefully and Handle Loads Safely
ATVs should not carry extra riders because the driver needs space to shift body weight while steering. An extra rider can also change the vehicle's center of gravity and affect handling.
Loading and unloading should be done carefully. Secure ramps to the trailer or pickup, avoid ramps that are too steep, and load the OHV slowly. A winch can provide additional safety when loading.
Operators should use extra care on slopes. When traveling uphill on an ATV, the rider should move forward and increase speed gradually. When traveling downhill, shifting weight toward the rear, using a lower gear, and braking slowly can help maintain control. Operators should avoid crossing steep slopes.
Cargo can also change how an OHV handles. Loose or liquid loads may shift on rough ground or slopes. Operators should stay within the machine's towing and cargo limits.
At night, operators should travel slowly and stay in familiar areas. Headlights should be clean and working properly. Carrying a flashlight or flare and wearing reflective clothing can improve visibility during emergencies.
Safe OHV operation starts with proper training and careful decisions. Matching the vehicle to the rider, wearing protective gear, avoiding paved roads, using seatbelts, controlling speed, and handling slopes and cargo carefully can help reduce the risk of serious crashes.
Photo Credit: istock-jmichl
Categories: North Dakota, Equipment & Machinery, Rural Lifestyle, Farm Safety