19
! WARNING
Indicates a potential hazard that could result in a serious injury or death.
Divisio
n
I-
Rider
A
wareness/Responsibility
Sound Judgment
People do all kinds of things that you can’t predict or control.
Riding Companions
Leave a lot of space between you and other riders, especially in dusty
and dirty conditions, because it’ll be difficult to see the riders in front
of you stopping.
Do not carry a passenger on any ATV designed for single-rider use.
These ATV’s do not have appropriate equipment (hand-holds, foot-
rests, etc) to accommodate riders. Additionally, the added weight and
weight shift can make the vehicle difficult to control.
Other Vehicles
Depending on where you’re riding, you might encounter other
ATV’s, bikes, or motor vehicles on public lands. Respect the presence
of cars if you’re crossing roads or riding in public areas and make
yourself be seen. If you can’t see other vehicles coming, that means
you’re invisible, too.
Hikers
With the renewed interest in hiking, camping, and other outdoor
activities, people can show up in remote areas where you would never
expect them. For their sake, keep your eyes open.
Animals and Nature
Respect the outdoors that you love. Don’t use your ATV to chase ani-
mals or birds. Drive around young trees rather than over them. Keep
clear of streams and ditches with standing water.
Tread Lightly and leave it as you found it.
The environment you operate an ATV in is often harsh and some-
times dangerous if you don’t take proper precautions.
Weather
You need to consider the weather. It is dangerous to ride your ATV
when the weather is bad or potentially bad. Keep abreast with
weather forecasts.
Terrain
Always pay close attention to the terrain you’re on even if it is famil-
iar to you. You can’t assume that the landscape you’re used to doesn’t
change. Changes to landscape can happen at nearly any time. Fences
can be constructed and excavations dug in a short period of time.
Weather, climate, and development take their toll.
The thing about terrain is that sometimes you don’t know it’s
changed until you get there. Whether it’s familiar or not, check out
your surroundings before and during your ride.
Night Riding
Riding at night can be very hazardous. Obstacles and other hazards
(that are easily identified during daytime) are much more difficult to
see and avoid. When night riding, make sure the lights are properly
adjusted and in good working order. Reduce speed; do not over-drive
the headlights. Never travel in an unfamiliar area or blaze a new trail
at night. Always carry a flashlight or flare for signaling an emer-
gency.
Paved Surfaces
Try to avoid it. The ATV isn’t designed for pavement. Its handling
becomes more difficult on paved surfaces.
Those Around You
Environment