Beginners Guide
Student Booklet Sample
|
|
Protective Clothing
The nature of ATV riding makes it essential that you wear protective clothing.
Knowing what to wear and how to wear it can make you more comfortable when you
ride. More important, it greatly reduces the chance of injury in case of a
spill.
 Helmets -Wearing a helmet does not
make you a race driver. However, it has been proven to prevent serious head
injury in the event of a collision. Helmets give good protection from not only
collisions, but tree branches and falls. In addition, they provide warmth and
some protection from loud noises. Not only should you wear a helmet, but you
should advise friends and family to wear them, too.
There are a few basic tips to keep in mind when
selecting a helmet. When you purchase one, select a good quality
helmet, one that meets or exceeds the following safety standards.
It should bear either the Department of transportation (DOT)
label, the American National Standards Institute label (ANSIz90.1 ), or the
Snell Memorial Foundation label.
Your helmet should fit snugly; have a good strap and should be
securely fastened. Full face helmets protect your face as well as your head.
Open face helmets are lighter and cooler and should be used with eye and mouth
protection. Mounting strips of reflective tape on your helmet will add extra
visibility if you ride after dark.
There are also times when not to wear a helmet. It is
important to take your helmet off when talking with landowners and other people
you meet on the trail, so they can see who you are.
 Eye Protection - You must be able to
see clearly in order to ride safely; Any object such as a small stone, a branch
or even a bug that hits you in the face can distract you. But if you are hit in
the eye, you can be blinded. Regular sunglasses do not offer the proper eye
protection. A pair of goggles or bubble visor shield will help protect you. They
should be free from scratches and shatter resistant, bearing the standard
markings z87.1 or VESC 8 (V-8), or constructed of a hard coated polycarbonate.
They should be well ventilated to prevent fogging, and securely fastened.
Goggles or visors with grey/brown or green lenses are preferred for bright days.
Amber or yellow lenses are very useful. for dark days or late afternoons. These lenses, used in the proper light, can reveal potential
hazards in the terrain-especially depressions in the snow. Use clear lenses for
night riding which help you see shadows. In extremely cold weather protective
lenses can add both protection and comfort. A helmet visor and wind screen on
your ATV also help protect your eyes. Be certain to replace eye protection
devices if they become scratched.
 Gloves - A pair of good gloves will
keep your hands warm in the winter and cool in the summer. They will also
prevent your hands from getting sore, or tired as well as help improve your grip
on the controls. They will offer good protection in the event of a spill.
Off-road style gloves, available at motorcycle shops, provide the best
combination of protection and comfort. They are also padded over the knuckles to
prevent bruising.
 Boots - The
footwear which provides the most protection is a pair of strong, over-the-calf
boots with heels to prevent your feet from slipping off the footrests. Off-road
style ATV motorcycle boots offer the best protection for feet, ankles and legs.
Protective Outer Clothing - A sturdy
jacket and pants can do a lot for you in the event of a spill on the ground or
gravel. Plain lightweight shirts and pants do not offer as much protection. It
is important to protect your skin from scratches.
A long sleeved shirt or jacket and long pants are minimal
requirements for rider protection. Even better protection can be provided by
off-road riding gear such as off-road pants with knee pads, jacket and shoulder
pads. You can look stylish and ready for action and still be well protected.
Clothing also offers warmth in winter and helps prevent dehydration in summer.
Winter Clothing
 Wind
Chill Factor - ATV riding In the winter months demands
common sense protection against moisture and low temperatures. Keeping your body
warm and dry on the winter trail is essential for comfort, safety and health.
While the thermometer indicate a pleasant temperature, don't forget what the
weather forecasters often call the "wind chill factor." It indicates the cooling
power of cold air on exposed skill at different wind speeds or ATV
speeds. For example, if the temperature on a calm day is 10
degrees above zero and you are riding your ATV at 30 miles per hour, the "wind
chill" temperature is equivalent to 30 degrees below zero.
You should select the right combination of clothing to stay warm.
Your entire trip can be miserable if you are not wearing the right clothes. If
you dress properly. moisture will evaporate from your body; If you become too
hot and your clothing traps the moisture, you will get cold. Clothing should be
windproof and water repellent. It should be snug, so that it does not catch in
the machine.
But it should be loose enough to permit freedom of movement and
blood circulation.
First Layer - The first layer of
clothing should be some type of underwear which ventilates or breathes. Wear any
light winter under clothing with special attention to covering arms and legs.
Avoid underwear that clings to the body. Beware of tight fitting cuffs and
elastic bands that cut off circulation. A couple of light layers work better
than one heavy layer.
The thermal "waffle-weave" underwear is a good type to wear. If
the fabric stretches too much. it loses its ability to retain heat so choose a
size that fits you snugly.
Second Layer - The second layer of
clothing should provide comfort. utility and durability. Such as wool shirts and
heavy pants. In colder weather slip on a wool sweater.
Head Coverings - In addition to your
helmet, a cap or some covering over your ears and head should be worn. Avoid the
fixed bubble type of face guards as they may frost up. Always keep your helmet
strap buckled.
|