All Terrain Vehicles
Michael H. McKee
Tropp & Company, Inc.
All Terrain Vehicles are purchased for many reasons such as recreation, hunting and farm work. Since youth are frequently victims of accidents involving the popular multi-wheeled vehicles, it's important that all family members know and follow necessary precautions every time ATVs are used - for work or for play.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, four out of every 10 people treated each year in emergency rooms for ATV injuries are under age 16.
The major safety concerns related to ATVs, includes the need for protective gear, a pre-ride inspection, and proper operation. Parents also should determine each family member's readiness to operate an ATV based on physical size, coordination, balance, ability to judge distances, willingness to follow rules, and peripheral vision.
Manufacturers' guidelines suggest that no one under age 16 should operate an ATV with an engine larger than 90CC. They also recommend an engine between 70 and 90CC for youth under 12, and an engine 70CC or smaller for children under age 6. Although a child may be old enough to ride a certain sized ATV, not all youth have the strength, skills, or maturity needed to operate it safely.
In some States all ATVs must be registered in the county of residence. Most States also prohibits their use on public roads, and certain restrictions apply to their use on public land and land purchased with snowmobile registration fees. Check to see if your State requires anyone under age 18 must have a valid safety certificate to operate an ATV. Parental supervision may also be the law in your State.
WEAR THE RIGHT GEAR
Head protection. A helmet is the most important piece of safety gear for an ATV operator. If designed for ATV use, a helmet can prevent serious head injuries. Helmets used for bicycling, skateboarding, and roller blading should not be used on ATVs because they lack face protection and the ability to absorb energy on impact. Look for helmets with a label from the American National Standards Institute, Department of Transportation, or the Snell Memorial Foundation to verify that the helmet has been safety tested. The helmet also must be able to resist a blow from a sharp object, stay in place, and provide a minimum amount of peripheral (side) vision. Correct size is essential, especially for young operators.
Eye protection. A face shield may be part of the helmet. If not, wear an ANSI-approved pair of goggles or glasses with hard-coated polycarbonate lenses. This will protect your eyes from rocks, twigs, branches, flying dirt, insects, or water that can cause you to lose control or damage your eyes.
Body protection. Gloves protect hands from scrapes and scratches, improve grip on the controls, and reduce soreness from the pressure of holding onto the handle bars. Boots protect feet from trail debris and keep feet properly placed on the footrest, which is important in maintaining balance and control of the ATV. Also recommended are a sturdy, long-sleeved shirt or jacket and long pants to protect arms and legs from cuts or scrapes caused by trail debris and branches. Proper clothing also protects the operator from problems caused by weather conditions, including sunburn and frostbite. Optional gear, worn by professional riders, includes a padded jersey and shin guards.
MAKE A PRE-RIDE CHECK
- Tires and wheels - Make sure air pressure in tires is as recommended and check for cuts or gouges. Tighten axle nuts and secure by a cotter pin.
- Controls and cables - Check location and make sure all work. Throttle should move smoothly when handlebar is in different positions. Brakes should be properly adjusted and foot shift firmly fastened.
- Lights and electrical system - Ignition switch should stop engine when in "off" position and when in "on" position, headlights and taillights should work.
- Oil and fuel - Check oil and fuel levels.
- Chain and/or driveshaft chassis - Inspect, adjust, and lubricate chain and/or drive-shaft chassis. Check for nuts and bolts loosened by vibration.
START IT PROPERLY - BONEC
This refers to steps to use every time you start the ATV:
- Brakes - Always have parking brakes on.
- On position - for fuel cap vent or valve, and then for ignition key (if equipped).
- Neutral - The transmission always must be in the neutral position.
- Engine - The engine stop switch should be in the "run" or "start" position.
- Choke - If the engine is cold, put the choke in the "on" position and start the engine according to the manual.
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