Introduction to Safety Awareness Chapter 1 So, your are anxious to ride. Before you do, though, be sure you and your ATV are ready. If you are not, or if your ATV isn't checked out, the results can range from embarrassment to severe or even fatal injury. Managing Risk Managing risks means being a good decision maker. A large number of accidents are caused by poor riding decisions. You can learn to organise your thought processes and manage risk by using a thinking strategy to help you. This thinking strategy forms the acronym SEE: Scan, Evaluate, Execute. For your safety, understand and follow all the warnings contained in the Owner's Manual and the labels on your vehicle.
This chapter will introduce you to ideas about safety while operating an ATV. In turn, this introduction will help prepare you to apply the sugges- tions contained in the remaining chapters. SEE is a decision making process that helps you manage risks and enjoy a safe, comfortable ride. Each letter of SEE represents an action for the rider: Activities involving movement and wheels can result in accidents and injuries. However an ATV handles differently from other vehicles including motorcycles and cars. In addition, ATV riding is physically active, anoth- er source of risk. You should be aware of these risks in order to manage them and reduce the possibility of injury.
S Scan/search terrain and environment and identify hazards E Evalute and predict what may happen E Execute your decision based on your skills and your ATV ATV Safety Alert An ATV Safety Alert has been published. The most current Alert has been printed at the end of this manual. Please ensure that you read the "ATV Safety Alert". It contains important safety information. Part of the risk associated with ATV riding may be effectively managed by wearing protective gear, thinking of the consequences of decisions, and applying the SEE strategy. It is up to you to make the choice to ride within personal limits, within the capabilities of the ATV, and within the limits of terrain and environment.
Risk Awareness Knowing the risks and hazards of all-terrain vehicle operation is the first step in developing safe riding behaviour. When you know and understand the hazards of ATV operation you can take steps to avoid them. Some of the hazards can be avoided by using common sense. Riding without a passenger, and not attempting to do stunts, wheelies or jumps are obvi- ous examples of risk reduction. Also, be sure to follow the age and ATV size recommendations for younger riders. This information provides insight into some of the risks associated with ATV operation and ways to manage these risks. These topics will be cov- ered in greater details in later chapters. Chapter 1 - Quiz 1.
Most physically demanding activities require special skills and present certain risks. True False ATV Size Recommended Minimum Age 2. Learning information in the Owner's Manual will help a rider become a more safe and responsible ATV Rider. True False Under 70cc 6 years and older 70-90cc 12 years and older 3. An ATV is not a toy and can be hazardous to operate. True False Over 90cc 16 years and older Some people fail to identify hazardous situations which should be obvious. Swimmers who dive into a shallow pond, the driver who does not slow down in foggy conditions, or the bicyclist who rides against traf- fic are examples. There are some who think accidents only happen to other people.
They behave as if they will never experience the pain and inconvenience of an accident. The ATV rider who knows how to manage risk effectively is putting him or herself at an advantage in ATV riding sit- uations. 4. A child under 12 years old should never operate and ATV with and engine size 70cc or greater. True False 5. An ATV is designed to carry an operator and a passenger. True False 6. Most accidents are preventable. True False The wise ATV rider knows that accidents are not just chance happen- ings. Most accidents can be prevented with proper planning and respon- sible behaviour. Some people see accidents as bad luck or focus on a single cause.
Safety experts recognise that rarely is there only one cause for an accident or mishap. Usually, a combination of circumstances or events lead up to an accident-producing situation. 7. Riding beyond your limits will not cause accidents if you are a good rider. True False 8. Apparel you should wear while riding includes head and eye protec- tion as well as body protection. True False Safe ATV riding can depend on your ability to recognise hazardous rid- ing conditions. How well you are able to read the terrain and environment will play a large part in how safe your ride will be. 9. Managing risks means being a good decision maker.
True False Riding safely requires the rider to take responsibility for his or her own riding abilities, the riding environment, and the capabilities of the ATV. Riding within personal limits may seem to be simple to do, but many injuries are caused by riders going beyond their abilities. You should look at riding as an activity requiring the interaction of three things: personal ability, ATV capabilities, and environmental or terrain conditions. 10.SEE is a method to help organise your thought process. True False Full enjoyment of your ATV requires some of the same kind of precau- tions associated with other sport and recreational activities.
For example, it is important to always wear proper protective gear when operating an ATV, just as you would if you were playing football. For ATV riding, this includes an approved helmet with adequate eye protection, sturdy over the ankle boots, gloves, long sleeve shirt or jack- et and long pants. Depending on the environment in which you ride and your personal skill level, extra body protection may be a wise choice. 3