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Chapter 1
So, your are anxious to ride. Before you do, though, be sure you and
your ATV are ready. If you are not, or if your ATV isn't checked out, the
results can range from embarrassment to severe or even fatal injury.
For your safety, understand and follow all the warnings contained in the
Owner's Manual and the labels on your vehicle.
This chapter will introduce you to ideas about safety while operating an
ATV. In turn, this introduction will help prepare you to apply the sugges-
tions contained in the remaining chapters.
Activities involving movement and wheels can result in accidents and
injuries. However an ATV handles differently from other vehicles including
motorcycles and cars. In addition, ATV riding is physically active, anoth-
er source of risk. You should be aware of these risks in order to manage
them and reduce the possibility of injury.
ATV Safety Alert
An ATV Safety Alert has been published. The most current Alert has
been printed at the end of this manual. Please ensure that you read the
"ATV Safety Alert". It contains important safety information.
Risk Awareness
Knowing the risks and hazards of all-terrain vehicle operation is the first
step in developing safe riding behaviour. When you know and understand
the hazards of ATV operation you can take steps to avoid them. Some of
the hazards can be avoided by using common sense. Riding without a
passenger, and not attempting to do stunts, wheelies or jumps are obvi-
ous examples of risk reduction. Also, be sure to follow the age and ATV
size recommendations for younger riders.
ATV Size
Recommended Minimum Age
Under 70cc 6 years and older
70-90cc
12 years and older
Over 90cc
16 years and older
Some people fail to identify hazardous situations which should be
obvious. Swimmers who dive into a shallow pond, the driver who does
not slow down in foggy conditions, or the bicyclist who rides against traf-
fic are examples. There are some who think accidents only happen to
other people. They behave as if they will never experience the pain and
inconvenience of an accident. The ATV rider who knows how to manage
risk effectively is putting him or herself at an advantage in ATV riding sit-
uations.
The wise ATV rider knows that accidents are not just chance happen-
ings. Most accidents can be prevented with proper planning and respon-
sible behaviour. Some people see accidents as bad luck or focus on a
single cause. Safety experts recognise that rarely is there only one cause
for an accident or mishap. Usually, a combination of circumstances or
events lead up to an accident-producing situation.
Safe ATV riding can depend on your ability to recognise hazardous rid-
ing conditions. How well you are able to read the terrain and environment
will play a large part in how safe your ride will be.
Riding safely requires the rider to take responsibility for his or her own
riding abilities, the riding environment, and the capabilities of the ATV.
Riding within personal limits may seem to be simple to do, but many
injuries are caused by riders going beyond their abilities. You should look
at riding as an activity requiring the interaction of three things: personal
ability, ATV capabilities, and environmental or terrain conditions.
Full enjoyment of your ATV requires some of the same kind of precau-
tions associated with other sport and recreational activities. For example,
it is important to always wear proper protective gear when operating an
ATV, just as you would if you were playing football.
For ATV riding, this includes an approved helmet with adequate eye
protection, sturdy over the ankle boots, gloves, long sleeve shirt or jack-
et and long pants. Depending on the environment in which you ride and
your personal skill level, extra body protection may be a wise choice.
Introduction to Safety Awareness
Managing Risk
Managing risks means being a good decision maker. A large number of
accidents are caused by poor riding decisions. You can learn to organise
your thought processes and manage risk by using a thinking strategy to
help you. This thinking strategy forms the acronym SEE: Scan, Evaluate,
Execute.
SEE is a decision making process that helps you manage risks and
enjoy a safe, comfortable ride. Each letter of SEE represents an action for
the rider:
S Scan/search terrain and environment and identify hazards
E Evalute and predict what may happen
E Execute your decision based on your skills and your ATV
Part of the risk associated with ATV riding may be effectively managed
by wearing protective gear, thinking of the consequences of decisions,
and applying the SEE strategy. It is up to you to make the choice to ride
within personal limits, within the capabilities of the ATV, and within the
limits of terrain and environment.
This information provides insight into some of the risks associated with
ATV operation and ways to manage these risks. These topics will be cov-
ered in greater details in later chapters.
Chapter 1 - Quiz
1. Most physically demanding activities require special skills and
present certain risks.
2. Learning information in the Owner's Manual will help a rider become
a more safe and responsible ATV Rider.
3. An ATV is not a toy and can be hazardous to operate.
4. A child under 12 years old should never operate and ATV with and
engine size 70cc or greater.
5. An ATV is designed to carry an operator and a passenger.
6. Most accidents are preventable.
7. Riding beyond your limits will not cause accidents if you are a good
rider.
8. Apparel you should wear while riding includes head and eye protec-
tion as well as body protection.
9. Managing risks means being a good decision maker.
10.SEE is a method to help organise your thought process.
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