! WARNING
Indicates a potential hazard that could
result in a serious injury or death.
24
Sound Judgment
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 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 headlight. Never travel in an unfamil-
iar area or blaze a new trail at night.
Always carry a flashlight or flare for sig-
naling an emergency.
Paved Surfaces
Don’t do it! The ATV isn’t designed for
pavement. Its handling becomes more
difficult on paved surfaces.
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. Accepting that chal-
lenge means keeping your weight shifted
into the slope. Denying the challenge
means sliding off the trail.
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
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.
Riding with companions on several
ATV’s is not the same as riding one ATV
with a passenger. Passengers are prohib-
ited; it’s unsafe. The extra weight on the
seat makes the ATV difficult to control.
About 50% of all ATV accidents involve
passengers.
Those Around You
Trail Signs