Rider Safety
One of the best ways to stay safe while driving is to have a thorough understanding of how to operate your vehicle. Driving at excessive speeds, making quick turns and other unsafe practices all increase the chance you or your passenger could be seriously injured. Seatbelts and doors or nets are a standard safety features on all models. Whether you are driving or just enjoying the ride, make sure your seat belt is always fastened and you keep your arms and legs in the vehicle and the door/nets latched. Never carry passengers in a cargo area. Only allow passengers to sit in designated seats and never allow more passengers than the vehicle is designed to accommodate.
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GET TRAINED AND PRACTICE SAFE RIDING/DRIVING
There are training courses available that help operators use best practices and safety strategies. Here’s our list of recommended courses and training:
ATV RiderCourse — This training course is conducted through All-Terrain Vehicle Safety Institute™ (ASI). Go to ASI’s website for more information.
ROV E-Course — Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association’s (ROHVA’s) two-hour safety course helps develop safe driving habits, but is not a ‘learn to drive’ course. Take this to improve awareness about SxS and Ace safety and inspire a safety-minded approach to off-road recreation.
Owner’s Manuals — Always read all of your Owner’s Manual to learn the safety and warnings of your specific machine.
Take a course!
If you're a beginner looking to learn about proper riding techniques & safety or a seasoned rider looking to brush up on your skills. Contact our Safety Director Terry Armbruster to sign up for an ASI or ROHVA certification course.
Group rides!Know before you go!
MO-MOTO Trail Riders Pre-Ride Checklist
1. Find out:
a. What safety and recovery equipment is available.
b. The experience level.
c. Who has got First Aid training.
2. Count the number of machines and people riding (break up into groups?).
3. Assign riding order:
a. Novice riders go with experienced “buddies” to monitor safety and pass on riding tips.
b. Radio equipped riders 1st, 2nd and last.
4. Review proper trail etiquette (hikers, bikers & horses).
5. Review proper trail safety:
a. Safe distance between vehicles (critical when there is a lot of dust).
b. You are responsible for the person BEHIND you:
* After crossing a difficult spot wait to see that they made it okay.
* At forks in the trail wait until they catch up and can see which way you went.
* After not seeing them behind you for a while stop and wait until they come into sight.
* If the group gets split up wait for the riders ahead to come back to you.
* Don’t set out to see where they went.
6. Ensure that everybody knows the plan.
7. Check communications, ensure that headlights are on and then set out.
8. Ride at a pace that you are comfortable with.
9. Don’t attempt obstacles beyond your comfort level.
Don’t feel embarrassed or under any pressure to take unnecessary risks.
10. When encountering a situation where a rider is uncomfortable with an obstacle or difficult section of trail then:
a. Fix the trail.
b. Winch the machine.
c. Have a more experience person ride the machine through the tough spot
- (Be sure that the person is familiar with the machine or spend some time with familiarization).
Safety Partners
