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Rider Safety for Off-Road Vehicles

Jun. 18 2019 Safety By RideNow Powersports Ocala

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Importance of Safety Equipment

For safe and fun off-roading, there are some essential pieces of safety equipment. Here's some recommended gear:

  • Certified Helmet: Always wear a certified helmet.
  • Eye Protection: Eye protection is recommended to keep dust and flying debris out of your eyes.
  • Long Sleeve Shirt, Long Pants and Gloves: For protection from the elements.
  • Over-the-ankle Boots: Provide support and protection. Never ride with bare feet or sandals.

AGE REQUIREMENTS

All ORVs have age restrictions and other requirements. Be sure to check your Owner's Manual for machine requirements. Below are general guidelines:

  • Adult ORVs: Must be at least 16 years old with a valid driver's license includes both SxS and ATVs.
  • Passengers: Must be able to reach handholds and place feet flat on the floor/floorboards while their back is against the seat back with a seat belt on.
  • Youth ORVs: There are models available for different age levels starting at 6 years old. These require adult supervision at all times. Youth under 16 should never operate full-size, adult ORVs.

GET TRAINED AND PRACTICE SAFE RIDING/DRIVING

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 featured on all Polaris ORV SxS and Ace 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.

There are training courses available that help operators use best practices and safety strategies. Here's a list of some courses and trainings:

  • 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 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.
  • Contact Your Dealer: Contact your local dealer for additional safety information or for replacement warning labels and decals.

TRAIL DEBRIS

While designed and engineered to operate in the off-road environment, know that the undercarriage of any off-road vehicle can be penetrated by large debris or obstacles such as branches, stumps, logs and rocks. Penetrating debris may pose the risk of serious injury to the vehicle occupants.

To reduce risk, observe the following behaviors:

Understand the capabilities of your vehicle and do not attempt to traverse trail debris or large obstacle that exceed the vehicle ground clearance.

  • Scan the path ahead for obstacles and hazards and select the safest route.
  • Travel at speeds appropriate for the terrain, visibility, operating conditions and  your experience level.
  • Exercise caution when operating in  unfamiliar terrain, on slopes, driving through water, or driving over large obstacles, including those that may be obscured by water or other features of the terrain.

PROPER ACCESSORIES & INSTALLATION

There can be risk of injury when self-installing accessories or using accessories not specifically designed with the vehicle in mind. See below for tips on accessorizing your machine safely:

  • OEM-Approved Accessories: Only use OEM approved accessories, designed and validated specifically for your vehicle.
  • Professional Installation: Know your technical limits when installing, and, when in doubt, have your OEM accessories installed by a trained technician at your local dealership.
  • Power Accessory Guidelines: Power accessory guidelines as specified by OEM:
    • Never splice into the factory wire harness.
    • Always follow installation instructions that accompany the accessory
    • Don't connect electrical accessories directly to battery, utilize the accessory mounting block or accessory wires included in the factory harness.
    • Confirm all electrical powered accessories are not powered when the key is in off position.
  • Avoid non-OEM modification to vehicle to prevent unnecessary risk
    • Aftermarket ECU calibrations, intake snorkel kits, excessive amperage draw accessories, or removal of heat shields can increase the risk of fire or burn injuries.
    • Aftermarket cabs, roofs and roll-over protection structures can affect the stability and performance of the vehicles.
    • Non-OEM modifications may also impact warranty coverage during or after the warranty period.

MAINTENANCE & SERVICING YOUR MACHINE

Proper maintenance and service are important in keeping your machine running safely. Below are a few tips on how to safely keep your ORV up and running:

  • Polaris recommends using only OEM maintenance kits, fluids and filters to keep your vehicle operating like new.
  • Carefully follow the maintenance procedures on your Owner's Manual and consult your dealer with any questions.
  • When servicing your vehicle, carefully clean all fluid spills with a shop rag and properly dispose of materials. Don't use pressurized air or water to clean fluid spills off of your vehicle, as it may spread flammable fluids onto surfaces that get hot enough to ignite the fluid during operation.

PRE-RIDE VEHICLE & DURING RIDE INSPECTION

In order to keep off-roading fun for you and others, be aware of your surroundings and vehicle condition. Here are some things to be on the lookout for:

  • Always perform a walk-around when servicing your vehicle before riding, and check for loose or missing heat shields. Contact your dealer if you have any concerns or questions.
  • Minimize fire risks on your vehicle by frequently monitoring for and safely removing any debris accumulation. Pay special attention when operating in conditions such as dry grass, long grass, leaves or other debris.
  • Always check brake travel and the brake fluid reservoir level before each use of the vehicle. When applied, the brakes should feel firm.
  • Clean all lights frequently to ensure a clear field of vision as well as visibility to other vehicles.
  • Review your owner's manual for a complete list of Pre-Ride inspection items.