Arctic Cat 700 DIESEL Operator's Manual page 30

Sound Judgment
TESTIMONIAL
DOCUMENT#: X46481A1
CITY/STATE: LAUREL, MS
SEX: M
AGE: 25
BODY PART: ALL PARTS BODY
DATE ACCIDENT: 6-25-93
DISPOSITION: DOA
SYNOPSIS: A 25 year old male died
from drowning after the 4-wheeled
ATV he was driving overturned and
landed on the victim, pinning him
face down in 6 inches of water in a
drainage ditch. The victim had
failed to make a right hand turn and
drove off the side of the road. The
victim was driving at an excessive
speed, and under the influence of
alcohol. He was pronounced dead at
the scene. The victim was not wearing
a helmet.
Substances to avoid when riding:
1. Alcohol
2. Over-the-counter or prescription drugs
3. Illegal/mood altering drugs
Be aware of prescription and over-the-
counter medications. Drowsiness and
impaired judgment can be caused by a
wide variety of medications. The same is
true of allergy, cold, flu, and headache
medications. Your physical size and weight
can't protect you . . . just one antihistamine
tablet can affect your judgment.
Don't use alcohol or drugs before or dur-
ing your ride.
THE EFFECTS OF
ALCOHOL*
The Number of Drinks that Impair
Mental and Physical Abilities
1-2 DRINKS
Mental processes such as restraint,
awareness, concentration, and judg-
ment affected; reaction time slowed;
inability to perform complicated tasks.
3-4 DRINKS
Depth perception, glare recovery, eye
movement, and
decreased judgment and control.
5+ DRINKS
Coordination deteriorates, loss of criti-
cal judgment, and impaired memory
and comprehension.
*According to the ATV Safety Institute.
28
! WARNING
focus affected;
Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not
avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
Your Physical Condition
Being physically exhausted is like being
drunk. Try to do something that's detail-
oriented when you're really tired, and
you'll feel totally uncoordinated.
Don't ride:
1. When you're tired
Reckless Riding
Where excessive or high speed is a fac-
tor, the potential for personal injury is
greatly increased. Ride within reason and
your skill level. Avoid maneuvers that are
reckless. Don't show off.
Laws and Regulations
Any police officer will tell you that igno-
rance of the law is no defense. Your best
defense is to check out your local, state,
or provincial laws before riding. It'll also
make sure that you can continue to ride in
your favorite areas. The quickest way to
have a land area closed is by riding over
the regulations.
Group Behavior
When riding in a group, it is human
nature to try to keep up with or out-do
those around you. We can all be competi-
tive and that can lead to risk taking
resulting in serious injury or equipment
damage. Know your limitations and don't
be afraid to slow the pace down.