Protect Your Family From ATV Accidents
Operating ATVs can be an enjoyable outdoor activity but individuals must remember that they are not toys. Inexperience and irresponsibility can cause serious injury or death.
Germania has seen an increase of ATV accidents in recent years. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission the average annual cost of nonfatal ATV-related injuries treated in Emergency Rooms for youth under 17 years of age is over $1.4 billion. Your family's safety and well-being is very important to us. That's why we recommend the following when operating an ATV.
Do not ride an ATV that is not recommended for your age group. Remember that riders under 16 years of age must be supervised by an adult. If you have a youngster who is ready to ride an ATV, there are special considerations that you should keep in mind. Although a child may be the recommended age to ride a particular size ATV, not all youngsters have the strength, skills, or judgment needed to operate an ATV. You should supervise your youngster's operation of the ATV at all times, and should permit continued use only if you determine that your youngster has the ability and judgment to operate the ATV safely.
Do not ride ATVs on paved roads. Remember, ATVs are intended for off road use only. Never operate an ATV on public roads, and always avoid paved surfaces. ATVs are not designed to be used on paved surfaces because pavement may seriously affect handling and control.
Do not operate an ATV without proper protective gear. Never operate an ATV without an approved motorcycle helmet, eye protection, boots, gloves, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt or jacket.
Don't ride alone. Always make a plan before you ride. Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to be back. Ride in a group of two or more. Each rider should be responsible for keeping track of one of the others. It's called the “buddy system” and it's a good idea for any ride.
Do not operate an ATV while drinking alcohol. Drinking and riding can be fatal. Consumer Product Safety Commission studies show that 30 percent of all ATV riders killed in ATV accidents had been drinking. Fourteen percent of all reported accidents with injuries indicated alcohol consumption by the operator. Alcohol affects all the skills you need to ride safely. The amount of alcohol in your body is referred to the “Blood Alcohol Concentration” or “BAC.” Most states consider people intoxicated at a BAC of .08 percent. Physical and mental reactions usually became impaired at a BAC of .05 percent. ALCOHOL AND ATVs DO NOT MIX.
Do not operate an ATV if you are fatigued. Riding an ATV is more tiring than driving a car. Remember that fatigue can affect your ability to control your ATV. Here are some things you can do to keep from getting too tired: Protect yourself from the elements. Wind, cold, rain and heat make you tire quickly. Dress appropriately for the conditions. Limit your distance and riding time until you know your limits. Take frequent rest breaks. Stop and get off the ATV. No one should go more than one hour without pulling over, stopping, getting off the ATV, and walking around.
Source: Portions of this article were obtained from the ATV Safety Institute.
View Other Safety Tips
|
