AT V R i d e r C o u r s e M a n u a l St ephen Ga lls SAFETY INSTITUTE
Foreward Government and Industry Accredited Training This Handbook was produced by Yamaha Motor Australia in conjunction with the Stephen Gall ATV Safety Institute. This manual is adapted from the ATV Safety Institute in the United States of America for use with the Australian ATV Rider Course. Stephen Gall’s ATV Safety Institute provides national training to improve the safety of ATV riders through practical training for the sports, rural, government and private industry markets.
Contents C h a p t e r 1 Introduction to Safety Awareness Safety Alert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Risk Awareness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Managing Risk. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Introduction to Safety Awareness Chapter 1 Managing Risk 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 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.
Preparing To Ride Chapter 2 ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE for ATV riding. They do not have adequate energy absorption qualities for use while operating a motorised vehicle. Personal safety and comfort are enhanced when you wear protective clothing. Operating without protective clothing increases your chances of severe injury in the event of an accident. Always wear an approved motorcycle helmet that fits properly. As with any helmet, a child’s helmet must fit properly to be effective.
Preparing To Ride Chapter 2 Chapter 2 - Quiz Eye Protection Being able to see clearly will help you ride more safely. Operating without eye protection can result in an accident and increases your chances of a severe eye injury in the event of an accident. An object such as a rock, branch or even a bug that hits you in the face can distract you; but if you are hit in the eyes, you could be blinded. Regular sunglasses do not provide enough protection when riding an ATV.
Stretching - Lower Body Chapter 2 HIP FLEXOR & UPPER THIGH: Lean forward as shown, putting your weight on your rear foot but keeping both feet pointing forward. 1. QUADRICEPS: Keep your knee pointed at the ground and hold the stretch. Hold onto the ATV only for balance. HAMSTRING: Face the ATV, put your leg up on the footpeg or seat of your ATV (or handlebar if you are really flexible!) and stretch. Keep your back and knee straight.
Stretching Upper Body Chapter 2 LOWER FOREARM: Very similar to the upper forearm exercises. Push forward and bend at the wrist, keeping your hand straight. UPPER FOREARM: With your palm face down with the other hand, bend your wrists. Keep your elbows and palms of your hands as straight as possible. NECK: SIDE: Tilt your head towards your shoulder to feel the strain down one side of your neck. Stretch your neck to the left and right side.
Getting Familiar With Your ATV Chapter 3 Read and study the Owner’s Manual carefully, and look at your ATV to memorise the location of the controls. Know Your Controls The controls shown here are typical - refer to your owners manual as they may vary from model to model) 16 Identify these controls (if equipped): 1. Rear brake lever 2. Front brake lever 3. Rear brake lever or pedal 4. Throttle 5. Ignition Switch 6. Fuel supply valve 7. Choke (primer) 8. Clutch (on clutch models) 9. Engine stop switch 10.
Getting Familiar With Your ATV Chapter 3 Performing a Pre-ride Inspection Tool Kit An easy way to remember what to check before riding is the acronym T-CLOC. Emergency situations can arise with any motor vehicle; running out of fuel, a burned out headlight at night, or unknown hazards on the trail. These situations are not only inconvenient, but can result in unsafe conditions for ATV riders.
Starting The ATV Chapter 4 When you start your ATV you are responsible for controlling it. Read the owner’s manual section on starting your ATV and use the starting procedure represented in the letters BONE-C. Practising this procedure will help you start the engine quickly and efficiently. Chapter 4 - Quiz Starting Procedures 2. A way to remember the engine starting procedure is to use the acronym T-CLOC. True False Brakes B On O N Neutral or Park Engine E C Choke 1.
Let’s Start Riding Chapter 5 Shifting Gears Before starting out, be sure to review your owner’s manual paying special attention to the warnings and procedures. Remember to always wear the proper protective gear while operating an ATV. Be sure riders under the age of sixteen are under adult supervision while riding. Bring an experienced rider along to help you if you have problems.
Turning Chapter 6 Sharp Turns Handling characteristics for ATVs vary depending upon basic design and how they are equipped. The turning information in this handbook applies to most ATVs with one exception: ATVs with unlocked differentials. If your ATV has a differential, be sure to lock the rear axle before practicing the turning techniques in this handbook. Refer to your Yamaha owner’s manual for instructions.
Quick Stops and Swerving Chapter 7 Applying a good riding strategy will decrease the likelihood of having to make a quick stop. Scan and identify potential hazards several seconds ahead in your path of travel. Practice quick stops in a flat open area so you can get used to how your ATV responds to your input. Be especially careful on excessively rough, slippery or loose terrain. Chapter 7 - Quiz This is a more advanced riding skill. Remember, do not exceed your capabilities. 2.
Riding Strategies Chapter 8 Scan You need to know the area in which you are riding and what you and your ATV can do in order to have a safe, enjoyable ride. Your riding areas may not have the types of terrain discussed in this chapter, but it is still wise to know the strategies to ride in them. S Reading the Terrain Choose places in which you can ride safely. Stay on existing trails. Be aware of terrain where you do not belong, like steeper slopes, impassable swamps and other hazardous situations.
Riding Strategies Chapter 8 Trail Riding Riding Different Terrain Plan your ride carefully; do not take a trail that requires skill and techniques beyond your abilities or the capabilities of your ATV. Ensure that it is legal to ride your ATV on trails open to the public or that you have the owners permission to ride through private land. Be careful going from a sunny to shaded trail. Ruts or rocks may “hide” in the shade and your eyes may not adjust quickly enough to see them in time.
Riding Strategies Chapter 8 ATV Accessories, Loading & Towing Effects of Alcohol, Drugs and Fatigue ATV accessories, heavy loads and towing can affect the handling and stability of your ATV. Refer to your Yamaha Owners Manual before purchasing or fitting accessories; or before loading or towing with your ATV. Riding an ATV can be more demanding than driving a car. You have to be in good physical and mental condition to ride safely.
Riding Strategies Chapter 8 Loading and Unloading and Transport of ATV An ATV can be loaded on or off a vehicle safely providing the proper technique is used. Failure to do this can result in serious injury or death. The most suitable vehicle for transporting your ATV are: • Trailer - Box, Tilt, bike or car trailer. • Utility - Tray or flatbed • Truck When loading the ATV on to another vehicle please keep the following points in mind. • Remove any loads from the ATV.
Riding Over Obstacles Chapter 9 Chapter 9 - Quiz Obstacles should be avoided when possible. Smaller obstacles may be crossed if proper judgement and skills are utilised. Remember some obstacles are too large and should be completely avoided, even if it means turning around and taking a completely different path. Attempting to cross an obstacle improperly could cause a loss of control or result in your ATV overturning. 1. Obstacles should be avoided if possible. True False 2.
Riding On Hills Chapter 10 When riding just about anywhere, you will encounter some type of hills. An ATV can overturn more easily on extremely steep hills than on level surfaces or small hills. Being prepared and knowing what to do will help you on your journey. Always be sure to check your parking brake before riding in hilly areas. • Keep your weight uphill, and apply the front brake. If your ATV does not have a front brake, follow the procedure described in your owner’s manual.
Riding On Hills Chapter 10 Chapter 10 - Quiz 1. You should check your parking brake before riding on hills. True False 2. No hill is too steep for an ATV. True False 3. Use a high gear to go up and down hills. True False 4. When descending a hill, you should shift your weight to the rear. True False 5. If a hill is bumpy with ruts, you should stand on the footrests with your knees and arms slightly bent. True False 6.
Safe Riding Practices Chapter 11 You should know safe riding practices and be aware of the environmental concerns shared by responsible riders. Being prepared and knowing how to survive is your best safeguard in case of an emergency like a breakdown or sudden storm. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Plan Ahead Good planning, following the recommended maintenance schedule of your ATV, travelling in the company of others, and practicing safe riding habits should eliminate most emergencies.
Safe Riding Practices Chapter 11 Trail Signs TREAD Lightly When riding your ATV you may encounter different types of trail signs. The signs are designed to help trail riders by supplying needed information about the area. Standardised trail signs are being developed by Tread Lightly as shown below. Until they are posted, it is best to follow the off-highway vehicle signs where applicable and lawful.
Safe Riding Practices Chapter 11 Chapter 11 - Quiz 1. Carrying a map and compass is not a good riding practice. True False 2. Good planning can help eliminate emergencies. True False 3. Planning ahead includes letting someone know your route and when you should return. True False True False 5. You should always remove the helmet of an injured rider. True False True False 4. You should always carry some first aid supplies. 6. In an emergency, “panic” is your best friend.
Conclusion Chapter 12 Government and Industry Accredited Training In addition to recreation use, ATVs serve agriculture, business, commercial industry, and government and law enforcement agencies with in-the-job transportation as well as off-duty recreation transportation. ATVs are fun and useful machines. By learning to operate your ATV properly and consistently practicing safe riding techniques, you can look forward to years of rewarding enjoyment of the sport.
Safety Alert • Many people including children, have died in accidents associated with ATV’s. TO AVOID DEATH OR SEVERE PERSONAL INJURY • Collated by Farm Safe Australia, an Australian Government backed organisation, there were 14 deaths related to ATV operation on Australian farms during 2002. • ALWAYS READ THE OWNERS MANUAL CAREFULLY AND FOLLOW THE OPERATING PROCEDURES DESCRIBED. PAY SPECIAL ATTENTION TO THE WARNINGS CONTAINED IN THE MANUAL AND ON ALL LABELS.
