44
Indicates a potential hazard that could
result in serious injury or death.
ENVIRONMENT
The environment that you will operate your ATV in is often
harsh and sometimes dangerous if you don't take proper
precautions.
SOUND JUDGMENT
WEATHER
You need to consider the weather when you participate in an
outdoor activity such as riding an ATV. It is dangerous to ride
your ATV when the weather is bad or could potentially become
bad. Before starting out on your ATV, check the weather fore-
cast for the location and duration of your ride.
TERRAIN
Always pay close attention to the terrain you're on, even if it is
in an area familiar to you. Do not assume that the landscape
you're used to doesn't change. Changes to landscape can
happen at any time: fences can be constructed and excava-
tions dug in a short period of time. Weather, climate, and de-
velopment take their toll as well as erosion and other changes
that can affect your ATV's ability to ride smoothly and surely.
Because terrain can constantly change in configuration, you
may not know how it has changed until you get there. Whether
it's familiar or not, check out your surroundings before and
during your ride.
NIGHT RIDING
It is best to avoid riding your ATV at night when visibility is
limited. With little to no light, it is difficult to see what is
around you.
If you must ride at night, proceed slowly and never ride at a
speed that would prevent you from reacting to something that
could come up in the limited view of your ATV's headlamps.
PAVED SURFACES
Avoid riding your ATV on paved surfaces. Your ATV was not
designed for use on pavement and its handling will become
more difficult and unpredictable than when riding on non-paved
surfaces.
