PENPAGES: Factsheets from Pennsylvania State University

Extension News Service -- 5/30/86

TAILGATING AND TOWING: CAUTION

ATVs are a lot of fun. And they are useful work vehicles. But in both uses, the drivers must always exercise caution to avoid serious injury.

It's always fun to ride your ATV with a group of your friends. But ATVs are built for ONE PERSON--THE OPERATOR. They are not built for carrying passengers. Do not carry anybody along as a passenger on you ATV.

When you and your friends are riding single file, remember to maintain a safe speed and allow for time to stop if the vehicle in front of you must brake suddenly.

Check your brakes and brake lights before going on a ride. Do YOUR brake lights work? DO the lights on the other vehicles work? Have you checked?

Do you have your helmet, eye protectors, gloves, and protective clothing in case of a spill? Do you have high top boots with heels at least 1 to 1 1/2 inches high? Do your friends have helmets, boots and other proper riding gear? Remember, friends do not let friends ride without helmets and proper gear.

Do you and your friends know the proper hand signals for turning, slowing down, and stopping? Not knowing how to signal could lead to serious injury. Be sure you know the proper signals. Don't turn a fun trip into an accident.

Your ATV is also a great utility vehicle. It can tow heavy loads a lot easier than you can carry them. But when using your ATV for towing, use the proper equipment and position the load correctly to avoid possible damage to the load and to avoid possible injury to yourself or others.

Always use a rigid hitch when towing anything behind your ATV. If you plan to pull a cargo trailer or wagon, use a towbar and load the cargo to get the lowest possible center of gravity. Secure the load so that it will not shift when you turn or brake.

Remember, when towing a load, use the engine to slow the vehicle. Downshift. Do not apply brakes suddenly. On slippery surfaces, downshift and apply brakes equally (if equipped with dual brakes) and lightly. Always shift to lower gear when descending a hill.

PENpage Number: 08301226

Keywords: AG-INFORMATION-NEWS-PUBS, ALL-TERRAIN-VEHICLE, NEWS, SAFETY, VEHICLE

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%f TITLE;TAILGATING AND TOWING: CAUTION %f COLLECTION;FARM AND OPERATOR SAFETY
%f ORIGIN;Pennsylvania
%f DATE_INCLUDED;June 1992