1.3 Operating: Safety Reminders
Safety Overview
This 3 mins video will start our discussion regarding safe operation of an ATV or UTV.
Proper ATV / UTV Safety Equipment
Work through this activity to learn about safety equipment to incorporate when using an ATV or UTV.
Riding Techniques
This 4.5 minutes video provides a quick overview of best strategies when operating an ATV or UTV for agriculture purposes. It includes a demonstration of the I.P.D.E. guidelines.
ATV Proper Body Position
Uphill
The best technique for approaching an uphill climb is to:
- Shift the ATV into a lower gear and speed up before climbing the hill so you can maintain momentum.
- Lean your body uphill.
- Move up on the seat and lean forward or stand and position your torso over the front wheels, keeping as much weight as possible toward the front of the quad.
If the ATV begins to tip…
- Turn the front wheel and proceed downhill in lower gear.
- Keep your weight to the uphill side.
- Do not apply the back brakes. This will cause the ATV to flip over.
Downhill
The best technique for approaching a downhill climb is to:
- Shift your weight to the rear of the machine and use a low gear.
- On steeper downward slopes, straighten, but do not lock, your knees and elbows. Then bend forward sharply at the waist so that your posterior is over the back of the seat.
- Utilize both brakes to gradually slow down.
When you go across a slope rather than directly up or down, it is called traversing and requires additional attention. Avoid traversing slopes with excessively slippery, rough, or loose surfaces.
Review
Work through these interactive questions to review the important concepts discussed.