Safety Tips for ATV Enthusiasts An ATV is not a toy. ATVs such as the Yamaha Rhino can travel over 40 miles per hour and weigh over half a ton. Please observe the following safety tips when riding an ATV: - Always wear a helmet and eye protection.
- Do not carry more passengers than the ATV is designed to carry.
- Children under 16 should not ride an adult size ATV, including the Rhino.
- Children under 12 should not ride an ATV.
- Wear non-skid, closed toe shoes.
- Wear long pants and a long-sleeve shirt.
- Do not ride on public roads or at night.
- Never use a 3-wheeler. They are unsafe and no longer manufactured.
- Attend an ATV driver’s safety course.
The highest percentage of fatal ATV accidents involve children under the age of 16. The 4-H organization has published a safety brochure that lists their Top Ten Tips for Safe ATV Riding for children. Here are their ten tips for safety:
1. Take a course, of course! The 4-H advocates that children should take a course in ATV safety before venturing out on an ATV. 2. Age Matters! Exercise good judgment to ride safely. Make sure the ATV is appropriate to the age and size of the driver. If you’re under 18, the 4-H recommends that you ride with an adult. 3. Wear appropriate gear. Wear a helmet, eye protection, boots and gloves. 4. Ride only on unpaved trails. ATVs were not designed to ride on paved roads. 5. Ride without passengers. An exception would be on ATVs designed for two riders. If the ATV is designed to hold a passenger, only allow passengers who are tall enough to plant their feet firmly on footrests while gripping handholds. In addition, the passenger should: · Use an approved helmet and protective gear; · Tell the driver to slow down or stop if they become uncomfortable; and · Get off and walk if conditions require. 6. Keep control over the vehicle. Anticipate unexpected terrain or animals darting in front of you. 7. Ride with the clear head. Don’t use alcohol or drugs. 8. Know the terrain. If necessary, scout out the trail on foot first. 9. Know your state’s rules governing ATV riding. Follow the law. For further information on ATV safety, consult the following resources:
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission website has information on studies involving ATV safety, ATV injury statistics and other useful consumer information related to ATVs http://www.cpsc.gov/The NOHVCC provides a forum for enthusiasts, organizations, and supporters to promote safety and a positive image of off-highway recreational sports. Resources include trail design consulting and a guide to developing youth off-highway vehicle (OHV) programs. http://www.nohvcc.org/ The Ohio State University offers resources for the safe agricultural use of ATVs. Resources include a volunteer guide and several videotapes regarding ATV safety. http://www.ag.ohio-state.edu/~agsafety/
The 4-H Community ATV Safety Program addresses youth ATV use. The program offers training, workshops, technical assistance, and resource materials to support local youth ATV safety programs. http://www.atv-youth.org/ |
