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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 now 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 rember 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 saftey Equipment that should be use avery time you get on your machine .
( DOT approved Helmet, Goggles.Gloves,Boots,Chest protecter)
Remember to all ways wear the right cloths 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 thing 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 oparated 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 hopfully 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 some what safe never ride out side of your riding ability or on a machine that is too big for you.
When riding always remember to leave thing just the way you found it Tread Lightly and 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
Remember Stay on the trail and respect the land and the landowner!
OHV Riding is a privilege, not a right!
RIDING TIP DEPENDING ON WEATHER CONDATIONS
Cold Weather ATVing
by Richard Moquin, with Jim Cowgil
Old Man Winter’s here! No need to lock your ATV in the shed, though. Here in Canada, I’ve found if you can get traction, you can enjoy winter riding if you just follow a few common-sense principles and procedures.
While lots of winter goodies (handlebar mittens, heated seats, windshields, etc.) can make your ATV ride more comfortable during winter riding, I’ll concentrate mostly on personal clothing and equipment.
Above all, you have to stay dry to be safe and comfortable during winter ATVing. Follow these suggestions, and you can enjoy ATVing even in sub-zero temperatures.
Personal Clothing and Equipment
Layering is the key to comfortable ATVing in cold weather. In a day, you may ride in a variety of conditions and environmental temperatures; layering lets you “tailor” your clothing for changing conditions. Easy riding along fast, open trails requires more clothing than slow, tight, technical trails that keep you working.
When the going gets tough, you will break into a sweat, and that’s always a bad thing during cold weather. Removing a layer or two before tackling challenging sections permits ventilation and evaporation of perspiration.
Cold weather riding calls for thermal underwear. Avoid cotton, because it retains moisture, and that can contribute to a silent killer — hypothermia.
The first layer against your skin should be a synthetic or a cotton-polyester blend; i.e., 75% polyester or better, preferably of a “thermal weave” pattern. Wool underwear also works, and insulates even when wet.
The second layer should be cotton, which will absorb perspiration moisture and hold it away from the skin. The synthetic fiber blend or wool underwear next to your skin “wicks away” moisture and acts as a dry insulating barrier from moisture/perspiration.
Layers after the first two may be insulating garments of your choice: fleece, down or fiber-filled wool, etc., depending on the outside temperature.
My outermost layer is a breathable rain suit, with zippered vents under the armpits that help prevent perspiration and moisture build-up. The rain suit blocks the wind and keeps me dry, even riding in rain or snow.
Gore-Tex, a breathable, waterproof lamination, works well in this application; other products make similar claims. Not to nag, but as I’ve already mentioned, the No. 1 key to survival in the winter is to stay dry.
Since the greatest heat loss occurs at your extremities, they must be kept warm. For the head, you should wear a balaclava or similar type of face mask under your helmet, and of course goggles.
The balaclava/face mask helps prevent frostbite, and goggles protect your eyes against the cold, not to mention from branches, flying ice and stones, etc.
I wear tall, insulated rubber boots during cold weather. While many insulated, over-ankle boots are suitable, I prefer tall rubber boots, because if I break through water holes and get stuck, over-the-calf rubber boots help insure dry feet. Some winter riders even wear waders for that exact reason.
Don’t forget warm socks; again, a synthetic, silk or wool layer sock should be worn against the skin, with one or more insulating outer pairs also a good idea.
I normally wear leather gloves while riding, when weather permits. For colder weather, I find nothing compares with a good set of mittens for warmth.
Cold Weather Preparations
If you venture into remote areas during winter, never ride alone. For every winter trip, I go prepared to spend the night in the woods in case of emergency. A situation that would be inconvenient in the summer can quickly prove life-threatening in cold weather, and a survival kit is a necessity, not a luxury.
Preparing your ATV
Preparing my ride for the winter, I emphasize normal preventive maintenance, with a few cold-weather wrinkles:
- Inspect the frame, for cracks or damage.
- Clean and then grease electrical connections with dielectric grease.
- Clean, then grease chassis lube points.
- Replace all fluids with lubricants and coolants appropriate for expected temperatures.
- Lube control cables.
Cable lubrication helps avoid frozen, useless cables in the field. I reduce the air pressure in my tires to give me a wider footprint while riding in snow. And for added protection from cold winds, I install a windshield on my ATV.
While riding
Hit your brake levers occasionally to prevent them from freezing up. Check and clear snow and ice from your ride (mind the CV- and U-joints!) every time you take a break, and because its build-up reduces fuel economy; carry extra gas. Use your choke minimally; it’s hard to keep a choke cable from freezing and sticking.
What I carry
Front rack box: two 1-gallon cans of gas; air compressor; 50 feet of 3/8” Samson Braid rope; compact 3/8” drive socket set; a roll of trail-marking tape; Leatherman multi-tool; set of wrenches and multi-screwdriver; spare plug, oil, duct tape, wire and various tie-wraps; snatch block for winch; spare GPS power cable and batteries; tire repair kit.
Rear rack box: first Aid kit; normal and space blankets; change of clothes (polar fleece) in waterproof bag; 12-inch bow saw; hatchet; bungee cords; 50 feet of parachute cord; maps; 8’ x 8’ tarp (for shelter); toilet paper; fire-starting kit; slivers of maple fat wood; maple kindling; a 9-volt battery; steel wool; a flashlight; food and water; 25-foot ¾” Samson Braid tow rope; energy bars and a book.
Preventing Frostbite and Hypothermia
Avoid exposure and keep dry! Should you get wet, strip immediately and change into dry clothes.
Hypothermia, a silent killer, is far more deadly than hunger, claiming more victims than wild animals, avalanches and lightning. Hypothermia has three basic tools, usually acting together: cold, wind, and wetness.
The high concentration of blood in your head makes it a major source of radiant heat loss. At 40 degrees, up to half of the body’s heat can be lost through the head, and at 5 degrees that jumps up to 75%, so always wear a warm hat when your helmet is off. The old maxim, “When your feet are cold, put on your hat,” is all so true.
Body heat is lost also through conduction, transmitting heat directly into a colder medium. Wet clothing conducts heat from several times to more than 200 times as fast as dry clothing.
Convection—the transfer of heat by air in motion— is low when air movement is slight but rapidly increases with air speed. Radiant heat warms the air next to the skin, and heat loss via convection occurs if the air is constantly swept away by wind. Effective winter clothing retains a layer of warmed air next to the skin.
Evaporation is another source of heat loss. When moisture evaporates from the skin, heat is lost – a physical process that cannot be effectively reduced. Moist air from sweating must be vented, reducing the possibility of damp clothing. Wet clothing loses heat by both conduction and evaporation.
A final source of heat loss is respiration, from the warm, moist air exhaled. Heat loss via respiration can contribute to hypothermia. Minimizing heavy breathing and panting, and breathing through the nose rather than the mouth, will conserve body heat.
The key to success?
Dress in layers, stay dry and be prepared for the unexpected!
This article complement of All Terrain Vehicle Association ATVA
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