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(NUI) - The summer air beckons avid all-terrain vehicle riders outdoors. Unfortunately, injuries can occur if ATVs aren't handled safely.
Proper safety training, common sense and personal responsibility are the keys to preventing ATV accidents. Polaris Industries Inc., a leading manufacturer of ATVs, offers the following tips for safe riding.
* Get educated. Read your owner's manual and the warning labels on your ATV. They will tell you how to operate your ATV safely. Review the owner's manual and warning labels periodically to refresh your memory. You also should complete an approved ATV rider-safety course before driving your vehicle. Polaris dealers provide safety training and certification for Polaris ATVs. Contact your local dealer for details.
* Always wear protective gear. Never ride an ATV without an approved helmet. Protective eye gear, long pants, over-the-ankle boots, gloves and a long-sleeve shirt or jacket also are highly recommended.
* Ride solo. Unless your vehicle is specifically designed to seat two people, only one person should be on it at a time. Carrying a passenger on a one-seater ATV can upset the balance and cause you to lose control of the vehicle.
* Steer clear of pavement. ATVs are not designed to be driven on pavement and it is illegal to drive one in an undesignated area. Visit ATVPathfinder.com to locate designated riding trails by state.
* Maintain a safe and controllable speed. Your vehicle's handling can be affected by the conditions at hand, such as the terrain or level of visibility. Adjust your ATV's speed accordingly.
* Abide by the rules for youth drivers. For riders age 6 and older, an ATV with an engine size less than 70 cubic centimeters is recommended; for riders age 12 and older, an ATV with an engine from 70 cc to 90 cc is recommended. ATVs with engines that are 90 cc or greater are recommended for use only by riders age 16 and older. Riders under the age of 16 should always be under adult supervision.
There are ATV models designed specifically for youth, such as Polaris' Predator 50, Predator 90 and Sportsman 90.
To learn more about ATV safety, call the Polaris safety hotline at (800) 342-3764 or visit www.polarisindustries.com.