ATVSAFETY

TRAINING

Presenter - Jim WernzCertified ATV Safety Instructor

How to Fit An ATVto the Rider

• Clearance between ATV seat & inseam while standing on footrest

• Upper legs• Foot length• Grip reach• Throttle reach• Brake reach

Clearance between ATVto Rider

Proper sitting position

Dressing Right• Helmet• Goggles / Face

Shields• Long Sleeves• Gloves• Boots

– Chest protector– Off-road pants

HELMETNumber one piece of protective gearfor children & adults• Full-face or Three-quarter Helmet• Chin Strap (always fasten snugly)• Considerations when buying a helmet

– Design Protection should be– Color your first consideration.– Price What is your life worth?

Athletic headgear - skateboard, hockey, football ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE

HelmetCare & Condition

Clean Inspect

Damage / Webbing (spidering)LiningChin Strap

Replace helmet every 5 years!If helmet is dropped on a hard

surface, it must be replaced!

Getting Familiar with your ATV

Before you ride your ATV,read the owner’s manual carefully.

Take a Certified Safe Rider’s Course4-H ATV Safety Class is NOT a certified course

Study your manual and look at your ATV to memorize the location of the controls.

CAUTION !!

•NEVER LET ANYONE RIDE YOUR ATV WITHOUT

SHOWING THEM HOW TO PROPERLY OPERATE ATV

AND ALL CONTROLS !

Identify The ControlsParking Brake Hand Brake Levers

Foot Brake Lever / Pedal Throttle

Ignition Switch Fuel Supple Valve

Choke (primer) Clutch

Engine Stop Switch Gas Cap / Tank Vent

Shift Lever Starter (pull, kick electric)

Light on / off switch Light hi / lo switch

Check before you ride

T ires & Wheels

C ontrols & Cables

L ights & Electrics

O il & Fuel

C hain & Drive Shaft Chassis

Starting the ATV

B rakesO nN eutralE ngineC hoke

Mounting your ATV• Set the parking brake• Grasp the handlebar with

you hand• Place your foot on the

footrest (don’t step on the shift lever

• Lean over, grasp the handlebar with your other hand

Let’s start riding…

• Let’s find a place to practice

• Bring some markers

• Safety first

• First ride

Shifting Gears• Always release the throttle while shifting to

prevent front wheel(s) lifting• Learn the sound of your engine to know

when to shift• If manual clutch – know where the

engagement point is to prevent stalling & allow for smooth shifting

Hints for braking• Release the throttle• Shift to lower gear to slow vehicle• Apply both brakes equally (rear brake first)• Do most of your braking before a turn• Apply brakes lightly on slippery surfaces• Apply brakes lightly after driving through

water or wet areas• Keep head and eyes up

Braking (Foot & Hand)

ParkingWhen parking – Shift into Neutral

• Stop the engine with the Engine Stop Switch and, if equipped, turn off the ignition switch

• Set the parking brake to keep the ATV from rolling

• Turn the fuel off• Always try to find flat ground to park your

ATV

STOPPING• Being familiar with

your controls• Assume proper

riding position• Braking

Riding StrategiesS can the environmentI dentify hazardsP redict what will happenD eside what to doE xcute the decision

Around the CurveLeaning – 4-Wheelers

• Lean toward inside of turn• Throttle control is a must• Feet on foot rest• Both hands on handle bars (At all times)

Right Turn – 4-Wheeler

• Shift weight to inside of turn

• Feet on footrest• Proper riding position• Throttle control• Proper gear

Turning Right Hand

placement

Left Turn – 4-Wheeler• Shift weight to inside

of turn• Feet on footrest• Proper riding

position• Throttle control• Proper gear

Turning Left

TURNS• Sharp Turns

– Proper throttle use– Assume proper riding position– Braking– Adjust speed / Lower gear

• Quick Turns– Proper throttle use– Assume proper riding position– Braking– Adjust speed / Lower gear

Climbing Hills• Assume proper riding

position• Never sit on the seat

while riding up a hill• Choose proper gear

before starting up the hill

• Keep weight to upper part of hill at all times

Climbing Hills

• Always keep to the RIGHT

• Persons going UPHILL always has the right of way

Descending Hills• Stop before descending

a hill to assure no other riders are coming up

• Assume proper riding position

• Place body to upper part of hill

• Lower gear• Apply rear brake slowly

Traversing a Hill• Assume proper

riding position• Lean body uphill• If your ATV

begins to tip –Turn the front wheels downhill, then descend hill

Obstacles• Always approach an

object at a 90 degree angle (straight on)

• Assume proper riding position (legs & elbows bent)

• Bring body up off seat

Obstacles•Assume proper riding position (legs & elbows bent)•Never sit on the seat when riding over obstacles

Obstacles – On one side• Assume proper

riding position• Lean upper body

weight toward side of obstacle

• Keep elbows & knees bent

• Keep body off seat

On the TrailPractice safe riding responsibilities• Wear your helmet• DON’T CARRY PASSENGERS !• Resist peer pressure (No Dares)• Know your limits & limits of your ATV• Don’t mix alcohol or drugs with ATV riding• Wear bright or reflective clothing / flag• Take a first aid pack along• Carry snacks and a water supply• Learn the signs for the area you are riding

Effects of AlcoholNUMBER OF DRINKS THAT IMPAIR MENTAL AND PHYSICAL ABILITIES…

1-2 drinks in system – Mental processes such as restraint,

awareness, concentration and judgment affected; reaction time

slowed; inability to perform complicated tasks.

Effects of Alcohol3-4 drinks in system –

Depth perception, glare recovery, eye movement and

focus affected; decreased judgment and control

Effects of Alcohol5 drinks in system –

Coordination deteriorates, loss of critical judgment, impaired memory and comprehension.

Other Trail UsersRider Friendly

Be courteous to other trail users

• When meeting horses – – Stop– Shut off engine– Remove helmet

• Respect campers & hikers• What you take in – Take out (trash)

Before riding on trails, KNOW…

LAWS & REGULATIONSEnvironmental Tips

ErosionPlaces to ride your ATV

Topographical Maps

Rob Wellum, Conservation Officer

Leaving for a rideCheck List

Tell someone where you are going

When will you return (be home when stated, if possible)

What paths will you travelTake a cell phone when possibleFirst Aid Kit / Survival Kit