Western Outdoor Times - Times Spent Outdoors: Priceless!

Summer-into-fall temperatures are on the decline, which is perfect for those looking to hit the trails with an off-highway vehicle (OHV).

Whether it's taking a drive to see the changing aspen leaves in the high country or just enjoying cooler weather on an all-terrain vehicle (ATV), autumn offers some of the best conditions to head outdoors. However, OHV enthusiasts can only enjoy their time if it's done safely and responsibly.

"Riding safely should be the main priority for anyone participating in the sport," said Matthew Eberhart, Arizona Game and Fish Department OHV Safety Education coordinator. "While riding these machines is great fun and allows users to see some of the best scenery Arizona has to offer, they can be dangerous if used improperly."

To help ensure OHV users are riding responsibly, the Department's OHV Safety Education program met late last month with the riding community to pass out information and answer OHV-related questions during the Arizona Off Road and Sand Expo at WestWorld of Scottsdale.

To further promote rider safety and helmet use, the Department encourages riders to shoot a photo of themselves with their helmet on and off and submit it to the "Show us your Helmet Hair" contest. By entering, contestants can win prizes from area businesses and OHV safety partners.

To enter the monthly contest, snap a photo of your best helmet hair and share it with Arizona Game and Fish Department's Instagram (www.instagram.com/AZGFDOutdoors), Facebook (www.facebook.com/azgafd) and/or Twitter (@azgfd) pages, using both hashtags of #AZHelmetHair and #AZGFDOHV).

For additional OHV safety information, visit http://www.azgfd.gov/ohv