! WARNING
Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not
avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
19
Prevention
Overview
When using an ATV, prevention is the
name of the game. “Had you only
known” something could go wrong, you
would have prevented it. If you don’t
notice your conditions and surroundings
before riding your ATV, you give up con-
trol over the situation. Using ATV pre-
vention techniques helps you forecast
potential hazards before they injure you
or damage your ATV.
Following the safety instructions and
warnings in this manual will help you
“P.A.S.S.” the safety test. P.A.S.S. stands
for “Prevention,” “Active Riding,”
“Sound Judgment,” and “Supervision.”
Remembering P.A.S.S. and what it stands
for will help you have a safe, predictable
ride every time you go out on your ATV.
Always wear clothing suited to the type
of riding you are doing. ATV riding
requires special protective clothing
which will make you feel more comfort-
able and reduce chances of injury.
You’ll find it important to dress correctly
for ATV riding in order to prevent scraped
skin and serious head injuries. It’s easy
and could save you time in the long run
not having to contend with an injury. Of
course, it also makes sense to remember
the seasons. Wear a hat under your helmet
and a snowmobile suit in the winter and
lighter, protective clothing in the summer.
Following is the minimum protection you
need to wear during every ride.
ATV-0004
Helmet
Your helmet is the most important piece of
protective gear for safe riding. A helmet
can prevent a severe head injury. There
are several types of helmets on the market,
but make sure you wear a helmet that
complies with the current standards of the
U.S. Department of Transportation
(DOT), The Snell Memorial Foundation,
or the American National Standards Insti-
tute (ANSI). Helmets that comply with
one or more of these agency’s standards
have a sticker on the inside or outside of
the helmet.
These helmets should provide full-face
protection.
If you drop or damage your helmet, get a
new one immediately. Your helmet may
not protect your head from injury if it has
cracks, fissures, or other damage to its
outside or core padding.
Remember, your helmet won’t do you any
good if the chin strap isn’t fastened.
Gloves
Your hands are targets for flying objects
and branches. Along with providing skin
protection, gloves will shield your hands
from harsh weather. Wear gloves that are
weather resistant and have a gripping sur-
face to keep them from sliding off the
handlebars. Off-road style gloves with
knuckle pads are the best for comfort and
protection.
Safe Riding Clothing
and Gear
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