Due to their versatility and reliability, ATVs are now the workhorse vehicles on farms and estates. This is because they can handle multiple jobs and terrains with ease and their size and power allows them to reach locations that other vehicles such as tractors or 4x4s may not be able to access. With this increased usage, it is important that we educate both new and existing users on the importance of responsible riding.
To ensure safety is at the forefront of the user’s mind, Rachael Turner, BRP commercial manager UK and Ireland, provides some top tips to remember before going out on an ATV.
- Make sure that the loads carried on the racks are secure and evenly balanced and do not exceed the capacity of the ATV (check the manufacturer’s recommendations).
- Always be aware of your surroundings and keep your eyes peeled for any pedestrians, livestock, obstructions or other vehicles.
- Regularly inspect the ATV before use to ensure that it is in good working order.
- Avoid sudden increases in speed as this is one of the common causes of an overturned vehicle.
- Always wear the correct personal protective equipment (PPE) such as a helmet, boots, long sleeve shirt and trousers when out riding.
- When riding across a slope, keep your weight forward. When going downhill, slide your weight backwards, select a low gear and use engine braking, which leads to the reduction in the need to use the brakes.
- When working a new area, make sure you walk the route before riding through it. This will give you a better perspective of the dangers or obstacles that you could come across.
- You cannot predict the weather, as one minute it could be bright sunshine and the next it could be pouring with rain, so be aware of changes in ground conditions as these could affect the loads you are carrying or the attachments you are pulling.
- Always read the owner’s manual.
For more information about the responsible rider programme visit https://can-am.brp.com/off-road/gb/en/owner-zone/responsible-rider.html
