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ATV riding and safetyAug 01 '00 Write an essay on this topic.There seems to be a lot of controversy surrounding how you should or should not ride an ATV. However as with driving a car everyone learns to manipulate there capabilities as they progress in experience with the machine. As with a car you are not taught to drive one handed, you are taught to use both hands and to turn using the hand over hand method. But most of us tend to find ourselves commonly driving our vehicle using one hand. Is it right " NO" is it wrong "NO" it boils down to being a matter of personal preference. First off those involved in ATV, Snowmobile , Dirt Bike , Go cart , or Jet Ski riding would not have decided to take this route unless they wanted to. Most people in fact know prior to starting down the recreational vehicle path that there are certain dangers that are involved with them. Yet we choose freely to take the risk at our own accord. We all have mother's and do not require someone else to pretend that they are out parents. Most Recreational vehicle enthusiasts have been experienced in these machines for many years. They grew up with them, either owning there one or a friend having one. They have seen people get hurt using them and seen first hand the dangers that lie in waiting for them. But this is America and they are free to make this choice. So much like myself millions of people embark on a road that can be fun , but very dangerous as well. These machines were never designed to be used the way that most people think they should. People get delusional impressions when they see professionals jumping 20 to 30 feet in the air with them and magazines portraying them in extreme circumstances. Although these situations can be done and can occur , they are not standard operating procedures for ATV's. What they do not tell you when you see these guys jumping and bogging through 4 ft of mud, is the amount of time that they spend repairing the damage that the machine endures if not themselves endure. Riding an ATV can be a fun and enjoyable activity for everyone. However if you read the safety stickers on new machine they suggest that children under the age of 16 do not operate these types of vehicles without adult supervision. These machines can and will hurt you if you are not careful. Just like any other motor vehicle they need to be respected and handled with care. Learn your limits and do not push them, your instincts normally know best and if you think that there is going to be a repercussion than it is probably true, so do not do it. And always wear a helmet because the anything can happen when riding an ATV including be smacked in the face by shrubbery. Gloves are good for this reason too. Many different devices are available to help assure the riders safety. Included in these safety devices are helmets, gloves , chest protectors , special riding boots , pants and shirts , as well as kidney belts. All of which are designed with the riders safety in mind. A helmet is required by most state laws however the other products are optional. My advice is to protect yourself as much as possible. The machine sitting by itself does not typically cause anyone any harm. The key ingredient that makes a machine dangerous is the rider. Unskilled riders can put themselves and others at risk. Riding should be taken seriously as significant injuries and death can result from improper operation of the vehicle. Riding and Safety tips: --------------- 1) while doing steep hill climbing , carefully stand on the machine and lean over the handle bars to help keep the front end down. 2)never stop your machine while doing water crossings that are over the muffler, the water will flood back into the engine compartment 3)while cornering lean into the turn slightly, and slow down to avoid tipping 4)while moving forward be aware of your surroundings and avoid holes and rocks, as they can toss you from the machine 5)check your breaks before each ride (we all know what improper braking can lead to) 6)while cornering apply brake before corner and on the way out of the corner apply slight gas and release the brake 7)while riding over bumpy terrain slow down and stand up to lessen the impact of the bumps 8)avoid high speeds in areas you do not know and try to reserve this for straight paths 9)always be aware of riders around you and there location 10)be sure that your tires are in good condition and carry a repair kit with you 11)carry a first aide package somewhere on you or your machine 12)while riding in groups stay in single file and go at a mediocre speed to avoid accidents with friends 13) never follow to closely to another rider as they could stop short or be thrown from there machine 14)if you have a chain driven machine make sure the chain is tight before every ride 15)look for alternative routes around obstacles , through or over should be second choice 16)learn your machine thoroughly by riding slowly and trying things in mediation, not knowing your machine and how it responds can cause many problems. 17)do not jump the machine ( I know what your thinking) but it is the safest thing to do 18)do not operate your vehicle while young children are in the area 19) do not operate this or any other vehicle while under the influence 20)always , always , always wear a helmet AND PLEASE BE CAREFUL!!!!!!!1  |
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