My ex is a moron.He doesn't think she needs any of this stuff.When I called him about the helmet thing,he told me that she goes slow and only rides alone in a field.I divorced him because he's an idiot,among many other reasons.He's just too lazy to do much of anything beneficial for our daughter.Now that he has a new wife and family I'm amazed that he even remembers that he has a daughter.So getting him to foot the bill for any of this,even though he has alot more money than I do,is just not going to happen.But I definatly will come up with the money for anything that might keep her safe and alive.Thanks so much for all your replies.It's good to hear that I'm not just being over protective.

 

The next problem will be is if he is that big of an idiot is to make sure she wears the gear. My son loves his helmet, He even wears it to ride his bicycle around the neighborhood. The only kid out their with a fullface motocross helmet.

 

Jenni

You are definately not being over protective. Hell he can probably get arrested for Child endangerment if you pushed it. ;-)


But just make sure your daughter knows why and that she has to wear these things. My kid won't even get on him without his boots, gloves, Helmet, Chest protector and goggles.


D

 

I am sorry to hear that your ex is being so irresponsible with the safety of your daughter. Definately try ebay for your safety equipment. You can find new and used at great prices!

 

I admit I don't wear a helmet when I mow my lawn with my Rancher (with Swisher mower attached) but I'm going as slow as the quad will go.... I go so slow that I don't even need brakes to stop..... but I never toss a leg over my kfx400 without full gear....

If I go out to actually ride, I always wear my helmet, boots, gloves, goggles and chest protector..... It amazes me that anyone would want to ride without a helmet and goggles at the VERY least.....

 

As or training... there are several dealerships that will give kids and adults training for little or no cost. Heck they offered to pay me $100 bucks to attend training after I bought my Rubicon. Ask around and you may be surprised at the taining you can get for her.

I could tell you a very sad story about low speed accident. Long story short, 8 yr old riding 4 yr old in front yard in first gear, drunk rounded corned doing 80 and ran off the road and over both kids. Youngest stayed trapped under car while awaiting rescue! Not a good outcome.

I admit I do not wear the right gear but if I give my kids a ride around the yard they have on a helment. I am still too much of a freak to even take them out on any trails with me. I did take the 13 and 16 yr old to a snadbar on the river but that was once and I was too nervous to take em back. :-( Sad but true when you have witnessed fist hand a few of the things I have seen.

 

The helmet is an absolute necessity..If she's just riding in an open field the goggles may not be as important..Work boots and jeans are cheap and will help as well..My son has all the gear and I emphasize how cool he looks with it on..He wouldn't dream of riding without it..I also like a chest protector because in a rollover the atv tends to land on you!..The chest protector won't stop you from being squished but it will help preventing foot pegs and handlebars from stabbing into your body..They are also great in near wipeouts where you can make hard contact with the handlebars.

 

As you can see I'm a ATV safety instructor , the required gear even with low budget ,would be

Helmet
Goggles
long sleeve shirt, Jacket
long pants
gloves
over the ankle boots ,

Stick to your guns on safety your daughters well being depends on it ,have heard of to many accidents ,and if your ex bought the ATV new there probably free training your daughter could take .

 

Normally I would wear gloves, helmet, goggles, and hiking boots.
I dont race so I dont see any need to buy atv boots for the riding that I do.

 

Wow. I completely applaud you for learning what happened, and for seeking a place to ask questions for the sake of your daughter's safety. Four-wheeling is a very fun sport, but safety is definitely key.

Like others have said, a helmet is an absolute must. Googles are a good idea. Look on Ebay for a used chest protector, which shouldn't set you back too much (a lot less than a brand new one at a dealer). Your daughter is obviously concerned about safety, so I don't think you'd need to worry about her not wearing the stuff. Nor should your ex-husband care if she rides with it or not.