Prevention; Safe Riding Clothing And Gear - Arctic Cat 550 H1 EFI Manual

Prevention

Overview
When using an ATV, prevention is the
name of the game. "Had you only
known" something could go wrong, you
would have prevented it. If you don't
notice your conditions and surroundings
before riding your ATV, you give up
control over the situation. Using ATV
prevention techniques helps you fore-
cast potential hazards before they injure
you or damage your ATV.
Following the safety instructions and
warnings in this manual will help you
"P.A.S.S." the safety test. P.A.S.S.
stands for "Prevention," "Active Rid-
ing," "Sound Judgment," and "Supervi-
sion." Remembering P.A.S.S. and what
it stands for will help you have a safe,
predictable ride every time you go out
on your ATV.
Safe Riding Clothing
and Gear
Always wear clothing suited to the type
of riding you are doing. ATV riding
requires special protective clothing
which will make you feel more comfort-
able and reduce chances of injury.
You'll find it important to dress cor-
rectly for ATV riding in order to prevent
scraped skin and serious head injuries.
It's easy and could save you time in the
long run not having to contend with an
injury. Of course, it also makes sense to
remember the seasons. Wear a hat under
your helmet and a snowmobile suit in
the winter and lighter, protective cloth-
ing in the summer. Following is the min-
imum protection you need to wear
during every ride.
! WARNING
16
Gloves
Your hands are targets for flying objects.
Along with providing skin protection,
gloves will shield your hands from
harsh weather. Wear gloves that are
weather resistant and have a gripping
surface to keep them from sliding off the
handlebars. Off-road style gloves with
knuckle pads are the best for comfort
and protection.
Boots/Ankle Protection
Wear a boot that covers the largest pos-
sible area of your leg (preferably up to
your knee) and can handle significant
impact. Choosing boots with low heels
and a good tread will help prevent your
feet from slipping off the footrests in
wet or rugged conditions or getting hurt
if they get hit by flying debris.
Helmet
Your helmet is the most important piece
of protective gear for safe riding. A hel-
met can prevent a severe head injury.
There are several types of helmets on
the market, but make sure you wear a
helmet that complies with the standards
of the E code. E code represents that of
European approved. Helmets that com-
ply with European standards have a
sticker on the inside or outside of the
helmet.
Indicates a potential hazard that could
result in a serious injury or death.
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