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ATV Helmets and Protective Gear

Most people who ride an ATV on the farm do it for work, close to home, in work clothes. That is exactly when protective gear tends to be skipped.

Why wear a helmet on a short farm trip?

Falls and rollovers happen on short trips and at low speed, and head injuries are among the most serious outcomes. A helmet will not prevent a crash, but it is one of the few things that reduces the harm if one happens. Check the NIOSH Agriculture page for what researchers report about injuries.

A quick trip to check a gate or a water tank is the situation most likely to lead to no helmet and no phone. Make the rule the same for every ride.

Many riders say they will wear a helmet for longer rides. The trouble is that no one knows beforehand which ride will be the one that goes wrong, which is why the best rule is the same rule every time.

What kind of helmet should you choose?

Look for a helmet made for motorized riding that carries a recognized safety certification, and read the helmet's label and the maker's instructions. A bicycle helmet or a hard hat is not designed for the same impacts. A visor or goggles protect the eyes from branches, dust and debris.

Fit is important. A helmet that wobbles or sits high on the forehead gives less protection. Follow the manufacturer's sizing and fastening instructions, and ask a trained fitter if you are unsure.

When you shop, try on several. Differences between brands and shapes are real, and a helmet that suits one head may not suit another. Ask a knowledgeable retailer to check fit and show you how the strap and shield should sit.

When should a helmet be replaced?

Follow the helmet manufacturer's guidance. As a general idea, a helmet that has taken a hard hit, has cracks or dents, or has worn straps or padding should be retired. Do not rely on appearance alone. Heat, chemicals and age can also weaken materials, so store it away from sun, solvents and fuel.

Do not buy a used helmet unless you know its history, and do not lend one that has been in a crash. Keep manufacturer instructions with it.

What else should riders wear?

Gear should keep you covered, visible and able to move. Think of it as a set rather than a single item.

The goal is to protect skin from scrapes and sun, keep hands on controls, and keep fabric away from moving parts.

Choose what you can wear all day in heat or cold. Gear that is uncomfortable ends up in the shed.

• Eye protection suited to dust and branches.
• Gloves that allow a good grip.
• Sturdy boots that cover the ankle and have a tread suited to the footrests.
• Long sleeves and long pants made of durable fabric.
• High-visibility clothing in low light or around traffic or machinery.
• Hearing protection when the work or the machine is loud.

How do you make gear a habit?

Keep helmets where the keys are, not in a shed across the yard. Buy one for each regular rider, and keep spares for visitors so no one has an excuse. Adults set the example. Children copy what they see, and a parent who rides without a helmet teaches that it is optional.

Add the rule to your farm's safety talk with workers and seasonal help, and apply it to everyone.

For workers, treat gear as part of the job. Provide it if you can, explain why, and apply the same rule to the owner.

What gear does not do

Protective clothing does not make a risky maneuver safe. It does not replace training, a machine that fits the rider, or good judgment about slopes, speed and loads. It also does not matter if it is left on a hook.

Rules about helmet use on public roads or on certain properties vary. Check with your state agency or local authorities.

Ask your county Extension office or a farm safety program if they have fit events or low-cost options. Availability varies, so check directly.

What should you do after a fall or a crash?

Replace the helmet even if it looks fine, and consider a medical check for the rider, since some injuries do not show at first. If someone seems confused, drowsy, vomits, or has neck or back pain after a fall, call 911. Do not remove a helmet from an injured rider unless a trained responder tells you to.

Use close calls as a reminder: what if the helmet had not been on? Share that with the family and crew. The Red Cross and local fire departments teach first aid, and it is worth knowing where to find a class.

Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Farm Safety Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.