! WARNING
Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not
avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
24
Sound Judgment
Overview
You are not invincible. Knowing the first
“S” in “P.A.S.S.” stands for “Sound
Judgment” means you need to use yours.
The environment you operate an ATV in
is often harsh and sometimes 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 familiar to you. You
can’t assume 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.
Night Riding
Riding at night can be very hazardous.
Obstacles and other hazards (that are eas-
ily 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 unfa-
miliar area or blaze a new trail at night.
Always carry a flashlight or flare for sig-
naling an emergency.
Paved Surfaces
Avoid whenever possible. The ATV isn’t
designed for pavement. Its handling
becomes more difficult on paved sur-
faces. If operating on paved surfaces is
unavoidable, travel slowly (less than 10
mph [16 km/h]) and avoid sudden turns
and stops.
Trail Riding
Use sound judgment when trail riding;
that means riding on a trail that fits your
ability level. If the trail is pretty rugged,
standing up on your footrests will make it
easier for you to endure the rough terrain.
Make yourself visible by using head-
lights and taillights, and pull completely
off the trail if you need to stop.
Outsloped trails (trails that slant to allow
rain to run off) make trail riding a bit
more challenging.
It also helps to know which trails you can
ride and who else might be on those same
trails. These are signs currently used in some
areas to designate trail types and restrictions.
ATV-0068A
Environment
Trail Signs
