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Persons with cognitive or physical impairments or are high risk takers have an increased exposure to
overturns or collisions which may result in injury including death.
Become completely familiar with the operational controls and the general operation of the ATV before
venturing into off road conditions. Practice driving in a suitable area free of hazards and feel the response
of each control. Drive at low speeds. A higher speed requires greater experience, knowledge and suitable
riding conditions.
Not all ATVs are the same. Each has its own unique performance characteristics, controls and features.
Each will ride and handle differently. Never assume that the ATV will go everywhere safely. Sudden
changes in terrain caused by holes, depressions, banks, softer or harder “ground” plus others, may cause
the ATV to topple or become unstable. To avoid this, slow down and always observe the terrain ahead. If
the ATV does begin to topple or tip over, it is usually the best advice to immediately get off
…
AWAY from
the direction of the tip over!
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Uphill Driving
Due to configuration, ATVs have excellent climbing ability, so much so that tipover is possible before
traction is lost. For example, it is common to encounter terrain situations where the top of the hill has
eroded to a point that the hill peak rises very sharply. The ATV can readily negotiate such a condition,
however, in doing so, when the front of the vehicle is driven to a point that the vehicle’s balance changes
rearward tip over can occur.
The same situation may apply if an embedded object causes the front of the vehicle to climb more than
desired. If such a situation occurs, take an alternate route. Be aware of hill sliding dangers when riding. It is
also wise to know the terrain condition on the other side of the hill or bank. All too often there exists a sharp
drop-off that is impossible to negotiate or descend.
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Downhill Driving
As a rule, ATVs can climb slopes that are steeper than they can safely descend. Therefore, it is essential to
assure that a safe route exists to descend a slope before you climb it. Decelerating while navigating a
slippery downhill slope could cause unsafe sliding. Maintain steady speed and/or accelerate slightly to
regain control.
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Hill Side Driving
Whenever possible, such operation should be avoided. If necessary, do so with extreme caution. Hill
climbing on steep inclines could result in roll-over. In addition, slippery or un-firm surfaces could result in
uncontrollable side sliding. Do not attempt to turn the vehicle downhill on an angle. Avoid all objects or ruts
that will intensify the raising of one side of the vehicle higher than the other, thus causing roll-over.
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Drop-Offs
An ATV will “bottom-out” and usually stop if either the front or rear wheels are driven over a drop-off. If the
drop is sharp or deep, the vehicle will nose dive and tip-over. An ATV can bottom out and usually stop if
either the front or rear wheels are driven over a steep uneven terrain.
Riding Techniques
Riding your ATV too fast for the conditions may result in injury. Apply only enough throttle to proceed safely.
Statistics show that high speed turns usually result in injury. Always remember that an ATV is heavy! Its
