Safety and safe riding

An ATV can be hazardous to operate, but with proper instruction and safety measures, it can be an enjoyable form of outdoor recreation and a useful tool. ATVs handle differently from other modes of transportation, such as cars and motorcycles. Here are a few of the basics from the ATV Safety Institute. These are rules for both adults and children should learn and use when riding.

Do not ride an ATV that is not recommended for your age group.

Do not ride an ATV with out a Helmet and Goggles

Be prepared. You want to make sure your machine is ready and that you have appropriate training to operate the ATV. Take an appropriate training course.

• Wear protective gear. This includes an approved motorcycle helmet, eye protection, boots, gloves, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt or jacket.

Do a pre-ride inspection. This can prevent an injury and can keep you from being stranded. It also ensures that you will get longer enjoyment out of your ATV. Off-road riding is hard on an ATV, so it is especially important that you do routine maintenance. You should check the tires and wheels, the controls, the lights and switches and the chain/driveshaft and chassis. Also be sure you have an adequate tool kit in case you encounter any mechanical problems out in the field.

ATVs are designed to be used for OFF-ROAD ONLY.

When off-road riding, be sure you know your terrain and that you know the proper skills for basics such as turning and riding on hills. Remember, ATVs handle differently from other vehicles.

Do not carry passengers. We know it is tempting to let your friends or your child ride on the vehicle with you. Don’t. unless our machine is designed for two riders. Additional people on a single rider machine put you and them at risk for serious injury or death.

ATV in groups. Ride in a group of two or more other ATV drivers. If this isn’t possible, always tell someone where you are going and when you expect to be back.

Do not mix alcohol or other drugs with ATV riding. Off-road riding on an ATV requires that you be alert and able to use your driving skills at their maximum.

Do not ride after dark or in inclement weather. Unless your ATVs is equipped with lighting, front, and rear and remember you increase your risk of injury when riding under conditions where visibility is marginal.

Don’t show off! Keep speed under control. Don’t do stunts. Speeding and stunts are common among young operators, especially when peer pressure enters into the equation. Operating at excessive speeds and doing stunts greatly increases the risk that you will lose control of the ATV with potentially devastating results.

ATVs are workhorses on many farms and ranches. They are used frequently by people who enjoy hunting and fishing. They can be enjoyable recreational vehicles that enable you to explore more territory than walking might allow. However, in all of these cases, proper use is critical.

Here is just some safety Equipment that should be used every time you get on your machine.

( DOT approved Helmet, Goggles. Gloves, Boots, Chest protector)

Remember to all ways wear the right clothes for riding to help make you safe on the ride.

A long-sleeved shirt will help to reduce abrasions and scratches to your arms.

Pants should be made of a tough material and completely cover the legs.

Shoulder, knee and elbow pads will provide extra protection in case of a fall.

A kidney belt can be worn for lower back support and extra protection of the lower torso.

Always carry extra clothing in the event that you get wet or the temperature drops.

Always carry rain gear. Mud pants and Rain jackets will help to keep you warm and dry.

Here is a few things that you should do before you go for that ride to make sure it is a fun one

(1). Clean and remove any built-up debris. Mud/ Sand/ Ice and Snow.

(2). Check the condition and pressure of all four tires.

(3). Top off fluid levels. Fuel/ Oil/ Coolant

(4). Check your braking systems. Brake fluid level/ Cable movement/ Pad ware.

(5). Check your Throttle Cable for ease of movement.

(6). Check all of your indicator lights. Headlight/Taillight/Brakelight

(7). Air Filter-Check and clean as recommended.

(8). Check your Steering for any unusual looseness or movement.

(9). Check Lug nuts and Axle nuts for tightness. Be sure that all carter pins are in place.

(10). Check the Engine Kill Switch for proper function.

(11). Examine the condition and slack of your Drive Chain or Belt.

(12). Inspect and tighten any loose nuts and bolts.

(13). Visually inspect for any damaged components.

(14). Check both front and rear shocks.

(15). Take your ATV to your dealer at least once a year for a complete maintenance check.

(16) Make sure your machine is ready to be operated in the weather or conditions that you are go out in Remember this my seem like to much, but the few minutes you invest here will save you hours in the long run and hopefully keep you from getting towed back

The information on this page is not meant to replace the safety information that came with your ATV or what you have learned in any ATV safety courses taking. Nor, is it meant to replace the maintenance information that came with your ATV. The info above is just subjection on thing that could help make your ATVing a somewhat safe one. But remember to keep somewhat safe never ride outside of your riding ability or on a machine that is too big for you.

When riding always remember to leave things just the way you found them only use designated roads and trails and in permitted areas.

Travel only in areas open to All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) use.

On slick trails, moderate the throttle and use the clutch to gain maximum traction with minimum tailspin.

On switchbacks, avoid roosting around the apex of the turn when climbing or brake-sliding during descent, both of which gouge the trail.  Never cut switchbacks.

Drive over, not around obstacles to avoid widening the trail.

Cross streams only at designated fording points or where the trail crosses the stream always use a bridge if one is there.

Comply with all signs and barriers.

Buddy up with two or three riders. Riding solo can leave you vulnerable if you have an accident or breakdown. Designate meeting areas in case of separation.

When winching always inspect your equipment, use the right winch for the situation, find a good secure anchor, and never winch with less than five wraps of wire rope around the drum and if you are using a tree for the anchor point make sure to wrap the tree with a wide strap or some sort of protection so not too damaged the tree

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