ATV
SAFETY
TRAINING
Presenter - Jim Wernz
Certified ATV Safety Instructor
How to Fit An ATV
to the Rider
• Clearance between ATV seat & inseam
while standing on footrest
• Upper legs
• Foot length
• Grip reach
• Throttle reach
• Brake reach
Clearance between ATV
to Rider
Proper sitting position
Dressing Right
• Helmet
• Goggles / Face
Shields
• Long Sleeves
• Gloves
• Boots
– Chest protector
– Off-road pants
HELMET
Number one piece of protective gear
for children & adults
• Full-face or Three-quarter Helmet
• Chin Strap (always fasten snugly)
• Considerations when buying a helmet
– Design
– Color
– Price
Protection should be
your first consideration.
What is your life worth?
Athletic headgear - skateboard, hockey, football ARE
NOT ACCEPTABLE
Helmet
Care & Condition
 Clean
 Inspect
 Damage / Webbing (spidering)
 Lining
 Chin 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 Course
4-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 Controls
Parking 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 rakes
O n
N eutral
E ngine
C 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)
Parking
When 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 Strategies
S can the environment
I dentify hazards
P redict what will happen
D eside what to do
E xcute the decision
Around the Curve
Leaning – 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 Trail
Practice 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 Alcohol
NUMBER 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 Alcohol
3-4 drinks in system –
Depth perception, glare
recovery, eye movement and
focus affected; decreased
judgment and control
Effects of Alcohol
5 drinks in system –
Coordination deteriorates, loss
of critical judgment, impaired
memory and comprehension.
Other Trail Users
Rider 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 & REGULATIONS
Environmental Tips
Erosion
Places to ride your ATV
Topographical Maps
Rob Wellum, Conservation Officer
Leaving for a ride
Check List
Tell someone where you are
going
When will you return (be home
when stated, if possible)
What paths will you travel
Take a cell phone when possible
First Aid Kit / Survival Kit