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Sound Judgment
Weather
You need to consider the weather. It is dangerous to ride your ATV
when the weather is bad or potentially bad. Keep abreast with
weather forecasts.
Terrain
Always pay close attention to the terrain you're on, even if it is famil-
iar to you. You can't assume that the landscape you're used to doesn't
change. Changes to landscape can happen at nearly any time. Fences
can be constructed and excavations dug in a short period of time.
Weather, climate, and development take their toll.
The thing about terrain is that sometimes you don't know it's changed
until you get there. Whether it's familiar or not, check out your sur-
roundings before and during your ride.
Night Riding
Riding at night can be very hazardous. Obstacles and other hazards
(that are easily identified during daytime) are much more difficult to
see and avoid. When night riding, make sure the lights are properly
adjusted and in good working order. Reduce speed; do not over-drive
the headlights. Never travel in an unfamiliar area or blaze a new trail
at night. Always carry a flashlight or flare for signaling an emer-
gency.
Paved Surfaces
Don't do it! The ATV isn't designed for pavement. Its handling
becomes more difficult on paved surfaces.
Trail Riding
Use sound judgment when trail riding; that means riding on a trail
that fits your ability level. If the trail is pretty rugged, standing up on
your footrests will make it easier for you to endure the rough terrain.
Make yourself visible by using headlights and taillights, and pull
completely off the trail if you need to stop.
! WARNING
Indicates a potential hazard that could result in a serious injury or death.
Outsloped trails (trails that slant to allow rain to run off) make trail
riding a bit more challenging. Accepting that challenge means keep-
ing your weight shifted into the slope. Denying the challenge means
sliding off the trail.
It also helps to know which trails you can ride and who else might be
on those same trails. These are signs currently used in some areas to
designate trail types and restrictions.
Trail Signs
Those Around You
People do all kinds of things that you can't predict or control.
Riding Companions
Leave a lot of space between you and other riders, especially in dusty
and dirty conditions, because it'll be difficult to see the riders in front
of you stopping.
Riding with companions on several ATV's is not the same as riding
one ATV with a passenger. Passengers are prohibited; it's unsafe. The
extra weight on the seat makes the ATV difficult to control. About
50% of all ATV accidents involve passengers.
ATV-0068
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