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An operator who takes a vehicle off-road should always exercise the utmost care
in selecting the safest path and keeping close watch on the terrain ahead of him.
On no account should the vehicle be operated by anyone who is not completely
familiar with the driving instructions applicable to the vehicle, or should it be op-
erated on steep or treacherous terrain.
General Operating and Safety Precautions
Care, caution, experience and driving skill are the best precautions against the
hazard of ATV operation.
Whenever there is the slightest doubt that the vehicle can safely negotiate an
obstacle of a particular piece of terrain, always choose an alternate route.
In off-road operation, power and traction, not speed, are important. Never drive
faster than visibility and your own ability to select a safe route permits.
Constantly watch the terrain ahead for sudden changes in slopes or obstacles,
such as rocks or stumps, that may cause loss of stability, resulting in tip-over or
roll-over.
Never operate the vehicle if the controls do not function normally.
Uphill Driving
Due to configuration, ATVs have excellent climbing ability, so much so that tip-
over 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 sidehilling dangers when doing so.
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 de-
scend.
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 negotiating a slippery downhill slope could "toboggan" the
vehicle. Maintain steady speed and/or accelerate slightly to regain control.
Side Hilling
Whenever possible, such operation should be avoided. If necessary, do so with
extreme caution. Sidehilling on steep inclines could result in roll-over. In addition,
slippery or unfirm surfaces could result in uncontrollable side sliding. Do not at-
tempt to turn the vehicle downhill with the slide. Avoid all objects or depressions
that will intensify the raising of one side of the vehicle higher than the other, thus
causing roll-over.
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SAFETY INFORMATION
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