not meant for stunt driving or horsing around. It is a
work vehicle, not a play vehicle. Children should not be
allowed to operate the vehicle. Anyone who operates
the vehicle should have a motor vehicle license.
The driver and passenger should always use the seat
belts.
If you are not experienced at driving the vehicle,
practice driving it in a safe area away from other people.
Be sure you are familiar with all the vehicle’s controls,
particularly those used for braking, steering, and
transmission shifting. Learn how your vehicle handles
on different surfaces. Your operating skills will improve
with experience, but as in operating any vehicle, take
it easy as you begin. Be sure you know how to stop
quickly in an emergency. If you need help, ask your
supervisor for assistance.
Many factors contribute to accidents. You have control
over several of the most important. Your actions,
such as driving too fast for conditions, braking too
fast, turning too sharp, and combinations of these, are
frequent cause of accidents.
One of the major causes of accidents is fatigue. Be sure
to take occasional breaks. It is very important that you
stay alert at all times.
Never operate the vehicle, or any equipment, if you
are under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.
Even prescription drugs and cold medicines can cause
drowsiness. Read the label on the medicine or check
with your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure about
a certain medication.
One of the most important rules to follow is to go
slower in unfamiliar areas. It is surprising how much
damage and injury common things can cause. Tree
branches, fences, wires, other vehicles, tree stumps,
ditches, sand traps, streams, and other things found in
most parks and golf courses can be hazardous to the
operator and passenger.
Avoid driving when it is dark, especially in unfamiliar
areas. If you must drive when it is dark, be sure to drive
cautiously, use the head lights, and even consider adding
additional lights.
Passengers
Whenever you have a passenger riding in the vehicle
make sure he or she is wearing the seat belt and holding
on securely. Drive slower and turn less sharply because
your passenger does not know what you are going to
do next and may not be prepared for turning, stopping,
accelerating, and bumps.
You and your passenger should remain seated at all
times, keeping arms and legs inside the vehicle. The
operator should keep both hands on steering wheel,
whenever possible, and the passenger should use the
hand holds provided (Figure 27 & Figure 28).
Figure 27
1.
Passenger hand hold
2.
Storage compartment
Figure 28
1.
Hand hold & hip restraint
Never alow passengers in the dump box or on any
attachments. The vehicle is meant to have one driver
and only one passenger—no more.
Speed
Speed is one of the most important variables leading to
accidents. Driving too fast for the conditions can cause
you to lose control and have an accident. Speed can
also make a minor accident worse. Driving head-on
into a tree at slow speed can cause injury and damage,
28
