text:  Heading out into the wild on an ATV or off-road vehicle this summer? Stay safe with these essential tips. Start by making sure you have the proper safety gear. Must-haves include a good helmet, eye protection, and protective clothing. You also want to make sure you never overload your ride, either with gear or with passengers. So never have more riders on a vehicle than the manufacturer guidelines suggest. And when it comes to young riders, it's important that drivers are age and size appropriate for their ride.