Loading And Towing; Effects Of Alcohol, Drugs And Fatigue - Yamaha ATV Course Manual

Riding Strategies
ATV Accessories, Loading & Towing
ATV accessories, heavy loads and towing can affect the handling and
stability of your ATV. Refer to your Yamaha Owners Manual before pur-
chasing or fitting accessories; or before loading or towing with your ATV.
Accessories
Accessories can affect the handling and control of your ATV. When pur-
chasing accessories or operating an ATV with accessories it is important
to keep the following in mind.
1. Choose only accessories designed specifically for your ATV. Your
Yamaha dealer will have a number of genuine accessories available for
your ATV. For other aftermarket accessories available ensure that they
do not exceed your ATV's load limits and consult your Yamaha dealer.
2. Make sure your accessories are securely mounted. If an accessory
shifts or comes off, it could affect your ability to control the ATV.
3. Do not mount the accessory where it could interfere with your ability
to operate the ATV safely.
4. The ATV will handle differently when accessories are fitted. Use cau-
tion at all times.
Loading & Towing
You must use common sense and good judgement when carrying
cargo or towing a trailer, as a trailer or a load can affect the stability and
handling of your ATV.
Keep the following points in mind:
• Never exceed the maximum load limits specified in your Yamaha own-
ers manual.
• Do not exceed the maximum tongue weight as specified in your manual.
• Load cargo on the carrier as close to the centre of the vehicle as possible.
• Put cargo just forward the centre of the trailer ensuring it does not
exceed tongue weight. Centre the load from side to side.
• Tie down the load securely. If the load shifts it can cause an accident.
• Make sure the load does not interfere with controls or your ability to
see where you are going or shifting body weight.
• Ride more slowly than you would normally. The more weight you carry,
the slower you should go.
• It's a good idea to use low range whenever you are carrying heavy
loads.
• Allow more braking distance. Heavy loads take longer to stop.
• Avoid making sharp turns unless at very low speeds.
• Choose terrain carefully. Avoid hills and rough terrain.
• Use 4WD if fitted.

Effects of Alcohol, Drugs and Fatigue

Riding an ATV can be more demanding than driving a car. You have to
be in good physical and mental condition to ride safely. Three things that
keep ATV users from being in top shape for riding are alcohol, drugs and
fatigue. Each affects the entire decision-making process of SEE.
Alcohol
Drinking and riding can be fatal. In the USA, the Consumer Product
Safety Commission studies show that thirty percent (30%) of all ATV rid-
ers killed in ATV accidents had been drinking. Fourteen percent (14%) of
all reported accidents with injuries indicated alcohol consumption by the
operator. As you can see, ALCOHOL AND ATVS DO NOT MIX.
Losing Control
Alcohol sneaks up on you. Unlike other beverages and foods, alcohol
does not have to be digested. Within minutes, it is absorbed into your
bloodstream and passed to your brain. It quickly causes a slowdown of
your physical and mental reactions. Though you may perform more and
more poorly, the alcohol makes you feel as if you are riding better and
better. In fact, small quantities of alcohol impair your ability to:
• Ride and scan the trail or riding area for multiple hazards.
• Perceive moving objects.
• React quickly and properly.
• Coordinate eye, hand, and foot movements.
• Maintain balance while manoeuvring.
• Make good decisions.
• See clearly at night.
• Stay within capabilities.
A large number of all fatal injury ATV accidents are associated with
alcohol use. In addition to the risk of injury and the resulting medical bills,
repairs to the ATV are expensive. In all states you can get prosecuted for
"riding under the influence", which can lead to stiff fines and lawyer fees,
not to mention possible jail term. The only safe way is not to drink at all.
Other Drugs
Almost any drug puts an ATV rider at risk. Many over-the-counter pre-
scription and illegal drugs have side effects like alcohol, which affect the
skills you need to ride safely. Tranquillisers and barbiturates, which are
depressants, act like alcohol within your bloodstream. Even cold tablets
and allergy pills can make you feel weak, dizzy and drowsy. They may
also affect your vision, coordination and judgement.
Marijuana decreases your ability to see at night and recover from head-
light glare. Marijuana users cannot react as quickly as usual nor operate
the ATV. Amphetamines or cocaine, while they may increase your atten-
tiveness temporarily, bring on extreme fatigue once they wear off.
Furthermore, they produce a mild euphoria, which often causes riders to
take foolish risks. Never consume drugs before or while operating an ATV.
Fatigue
Riding an ATV is more tiring than driving a car. When you plan a long
trip, be mindful that you will tire much sooner than you would in a car.
Remember that fatigue can affect your control of the ATV.
Here are some things you can do to keep from getting too tired:
• Protect yourself from the elements. Wind, cold, rain and heat make
you tire more quickly. Dress appropriately for the conditions.
• Limit your distance and riding time until you know your limits.
• Take frequent rest breaks. Stop and get off the ATV. No one should go
more than one hour without
pulling over, stopping, getting
off the ATV and walking
around.
• Eat food high in carbohydrates
to keep up your fitness and con-
centration.
• Drinking plenty of water during
the ride will also help your
endurance and concentration.
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Chapter 8