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ATV safety tips
ATV safety tips
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Jodi Pauley desribes safety gear and safe handling for all-terrain vehicles.
If you are a small acreage landowner, rancher, or an outdoor enthusiast, you may have invested in an all-terrain vehicle (ATV).
In addition to recreational use, ATVs also serve agriculture, business, commercial industry, and nearly 700 governmental and law enforcement agencies for on-the-job transportation and other uses. While they are extremely handy for carrying a weed sprayer or just a fun machine to use while recreating, there are several safety factors to think about before operating an ATV. The All-Terrain Vehicle Safety Institute® (ASI), a not-for-profit division of the Specialty Vehicle Institute of America® (SVIA), was formed in 1988 to implement an expanded national program of ATV safety education and awareness. ASI’s primary goal is to promote the safe and responsible use of ATVs, thereby reducing accidents and injuries that may result from improper ATV operation by the rider.
The ATV Safety Institute’s Golden Rules are: • Always wear a U.S. Department of
Transportation (DOT)-compliant helmet, goggles, long sleeves, long pants, over-the-ankle boots, and gloves. • Never ride on paved roads except to cross, where it can be done safely and is permitted by law. • Never ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs. • Never carry a passenger on a single-rider ATV, and no more than one passenger on an ATV specifically designed for two people. • Ride an ATV that’s right for your age. • Supervise riders younger than 16;
ATVs are not toys. • Ride only on designated trails and at a safe speed.
The single most important piece of protective gear you can wear on an ATV is a helmet to protect from a severe head injury in the event of an accident. When purchasing a helmet, look for stickers inside or outside of the helmet confirming compliance with standards from the DOT and/ or the Snell Memorial Foundation. Helmets must fit properly whether fitting a child or an adult, and plan to replace a helmet if it has been in an accident or if it has been dropped and potentially damaged. Replace the helmet every few years as protective qualities will deteriorate over time. A face shield or goggles will protect eyes from injury; sunglasses are not enough protection. Gloves help prevent hands from getting sore, tired, or cold and offer protection in the event of a crash. The minimum protective footwear is a pair of strong, over-the-ankle boots with low heels to help prevent feet from slipping off footrests. A long-sleeved shirt and long pants are minimum requirements for rider protection, as well.
Keep in mind that on an ATV, you can ride farther in an hour than you can walk in a day. Therefore, a pre-ride inspection of
Meghan Phillippi an ATVs mechanical condition is important to minimize the chance of injury or being stranded, as well as to ensure proper maintenance. Always check tires and wheels for proper air pressure; controls and cables, such as brakes, lights and other electrical parts; oil and fuel; and the chain and drive shaft chassis.
Proper posture is important when operating an ATV. Always keep both hands on the handlebars and both feet on footrests.
ATVs are rider-active; to enhance the performance capabilities of the ATV you must shift your body weight. This is especially true in maneuvers such as turning, negotiating hills, and crossing obstacles.
When purchasing an ATV, think about who is going to be riding it the most and what kind of job(s) it will perform. Bigger and faster are not always better. A smaller machine may be more practical for smaller adult riders and may be easier to move by hand if it becomes stuck or flips over. Also think about the job it will perform and where it might take place. For example, if spraying weeds on hilly terrain, what sized machine can handle 150 gallons of spray on the back? If using your ATV for fencing, think about what kind of materials will be hauled and how heavy those objects may be. Also remember, if anyone under 16 is using an ATV, by law, they must have the right sized machine for their age.
If recreating with an ATV, think about where you are riding, the terrain, and the rider’s capabilities. If there are several riders, can everyone in the group handle the terrain and the conditions, and does everyone have the proper sized ATV? It is important to consider surface composition, other trail users, wildlife, stationary objects, and other hazards. ATV riding is an activity requiring the interaction of three things: personal ability, ATV capabilities, and environmental or terrain conditions.
ASI has developed a hands-on, halfday ATV RiderCourse that is conducted by licensed ASI instructors, as well as e-Courses, which offer students an opportunity to increase safety knowledge, understand all-terrain vehicles and practice safe riding strategies. Information on courses can be found at www.atvsafety.org. Remember, ATVs can be a very useful tool on a ranch or small acreage or fun for a day in the outdoors, but they need to be treated with respect. Having the proper protective gear, riding ability, and proper machine for your ability and the task at hand can make all the difference in how well and how safely you and your ATV perform.
For additional information on ATV safety, please visit the MSU Extension Farm and Ranch ATV Safety webpage (www.safeatv.org).
