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SOUND JUDGMENT
YOUR PHYSICAL CONDITION
Being physically exhausted is like being intoxicated. When fa-
tigued, you will not be able to perform detail-oriented tasks and
your coordination will be affected. This will severely inhibit your
ability to drive your UTV safely.
RECKLESS DRIVING
Drivers who have a UTV accident when speeding have a signifi-
cant chance of being hospitalized from the resulting injuries. The
faster you drive your UTV, the more likely a crash can injure your
head and internal organs. Avoid stunts and uncontrolled riding
such as wheelies and jumps that reduce your control and can
create greater injuries or even death if you crash your UTV.
LAWS AND REGULATIONS
Any law enforcement officer will tell you that ignorance of the law
is no excuse for improper behavior. Before operating your UTV,
check out your local, state, or provincial off-road laws. Before
start- ing a drive, make sure that you can legally drive in the
proposed area. Be a good off-road citizen: Illegal or irresponsible
driving will cause authorities and landowners to close the area.
GROUP BEHAVIOR
It is a proven psychological fact people will do irresponsible and
riskier things in a group that they would never consider doing
when they are alone. When you are driving your UTV with other
drivers use extra care and sound judgment to make sure that the
activities do not get out of hand. Being wise and responsible is
the best way for you and your riding friends to avoid injury or
even death from a UTV accident.
SIPDE
Individually, the safe behaviors and sound judgments listed in
this manual will have limited impact, but combined they become
the foundation of safe and responsible UTV use. When you're
paying attention to your physical condition, when you're
monitoring the movements of your UTV, and when you're
constantly evaluating your environment you are practicing
SIPDE.
This acronym means:
S
I
SCAN /
IDENTIFY
SEARCH
HAZARDS
P
D
PREDICT
DECIDE
WHAT TO DO
WHAT WILL HAPPEN
E
EXECUTE
THE DECISION
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