Off-Highway Vehicle SAFETY COURSE NORTH DAKOTA PARKS & RECREATION PRESENTED BY: ERIK DIETRICH

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES Carry out daily and weekly maintenance inspections and adjustments recommended by your OHV’s handbook Explain the unique handling characteristics of an OHV. (difference between an ATV and a side by side, etc.) Demonstrate positive control of the OHV in a variety of terrains Operate the OHV in a manner that protects the environment

I will explain the safety procedures for operation of an OHV, taking into account: Terrain Load limits North Dakota Laws Speed restrictions Operation on public roads Explain protective gear requirements appropriate to operating conditions

What is an OHV? Off-highway vehicle (OHV): A motor driven, off-road, recreational vehicle capable of cross country travel on land, snow, ice, marsh, swampland, or other natural terrain. This includes, but is not limited to, multi-track vehicles, multi-wheel or low pressure tire vehicles, belt- driven vehicles, and amphibious machines (dirt bikes, 3-wheelers, 4- wheelers, off-road utility vehicles, etc.)

OHV Classes Class I OHV Class II OHV Class III OHV

The Risk Research indicates that a major factor in OHV associated injuries is rider misuse and inappropriate rider behavior. Riding without a helmet Riding with passengers* Riding while under the influence of alcohol or drugs Riding to fast for conditions Riding on paved surfaces Other risky conduct in violation of the manufacturers’ warnings

Why it is important to do a Pre- ride Inspection!!!!

Pre-ride inspection TCLOC Tires and wheels Make sure to check the tire pressure (all four tires should have equal pressure), also check for cuts or gouges in your tires. Look for any loose nuts on the wheels. Also check and make sure the rims are not bent or cracked. Cables and controls Check to make sure all controls are functioning properly. The throttle should move smoothly. Check the brake cables to guarantee proper operation (if there is any problems check your manual for adjustments). Make sure the foot shifter is in the correct position if your OHV is equipped with one. Lights and electronics Check the condition of all switches and gauges to ensure they are working properly. Confirm both the headlight and taillights are fully functional. North Dakota law prohibits operation of any OHV without operational headlights and taillights

Pre-ride inspection TCLOC Oil, fuel, and coolant Check to make sure the fuel tank is topped off and you have the proper amount of oil (use the dip stick to check your level while engine is off). Always look for any leaks. Chain/drive shaft chassis Ensure the frame of your machine is not bent or cracked. Inspect your chain for too much slack and proper lubrication. If your ATV is equipped with a drive shaft instead of a chain, check for any leaks and confirm that it has the appropriate oil supply (stated in the owner’s manual).

Start it up! BONEC Brakes - Always have parking brakes on. On position for fuel cap vent or valve, and then for ignition key (if equipped). Neutral The transmission always must be in the neutral position. Engine The engine stop switch should be in the "run" or "start" position. Choke If the engine is cold, put the choke in the "on" position and start the engine according to the manual.

Riding Gear Motorcycle helmet ◦Helps prevent serious head injury. ◦Select a helmet that carries a Department of Transportation label or the Snell Memorial Foundation label. Goggles or other eye protection ◦Branches, road debris, and insects can hit your eyes and distract or even blind you. ◦Sunglasses do not provide adequate protection. ◦Goggles or a face shield offer better protection. ◦Choose eye protection that bears the marking VESC8 (or V-8) or Z87.1, or is made of hard- coated polycarbonate. ◦Carry gray-tinted eye protection for bright days, yellow-tinted for overcast days, and clear for night rides. Gloves ◦Keep your hands warm in cold weather. ◦Prevent soreness and fatigue. ◦Offer protection during a spill or collision with branches. ◦Should be padded over the knuckles for the best protection. Boots ◦Heels prevent your feet from slipping off footrests. ◦Off-road boots are best, offering protection for lower legs, ankles, and feet. Long pants and long-sleeved shirt or jacket ◦Protect your skin from scratches. ◦For best protection, riders should wear off-road riding gear that includes pants with kneepads and chest and shoulder protectors. Cold Weather Riding The wind-chill factor created when you ride makes it essential to dress warmly in cold weather. The clothing that works well for snowmobile riders is also ideal for ATV enthusiasts.

Operating Skills SIPDE Scan ◦Keep eyes moving, searching the terrain and environment Identify hazards ◦Pick out specific factors creating risk Predict what might happen ◦Think of the consequences ◦Predict effect on handling Decide what to do ◦Do not exceed your abilities or the capabilities of your OHV Execute your decision ◦Adjust speed/path of travel ◦Use proper technique

Operating skills Braking Begin the braking process by releasing the throttle and shifting to a lower gear well in advance of the intended stopping point. Applying the brakes smoothly and evenly will bring your OHV to its quickest stop. Apply brakes lightly on slippery surfaces. Parking Park on flat surfaces if possible Engage parking brake Turn OHV off

Operating skills Consult your manual for information on turning your OHV. In general, when riding at low to moderate speeds, you should: Move your body weight forward and lean in the direction of the turn. Turn the handlebars while looking where you are turning. If your OHV starts to tip while turning, lean your body farther into the turn while gradually reducing your speed. TURNS

K Turn K-turns: a K-turn may be needed if you engine stalls climbing a hill. To perform this apply the parking brake and dismount your OHV. Turn your handlebars toward you and release the parking brake allowing the OHV to roll to the side. Again apply the parking brake and mount the OHV. You may then begin to ride back down the hill. This maneuver is only possible on an ATV (Class II)

Operating skills Climbing Make sure the hill is not too steep ◦You should not attempt to climb a hill with an angle greater than your skill level of riding or 25 degrees Shift into a low gear Keep both feet firmly on the footrests Shift your body weight forward by moving to the front of the seat For steeper hills you may have to stand on the footrest while leaning toward the front of your OHV If your engine stalls try to apply the brakes before forward motion stops If you begin to roll backward apply the brakes slowly but firmly to prevent a roll-over U-turns on a hill: if using a U-turn on a hill make sure to shift your weight to the uphill side during each portion of the turn.

Operating skills Crossing streets: Come to a complete stop Look both ways Yield to on coming traffic Cross at a 90 degree angle with the road as quickly as possible Cross where you can clearly see both lanes of oncoming traffic (Hills) OHV manufactures strongly caution against riding on any paved surface. These machines are designed for off-road use

Operating skills When descending a hill: First, shift into a lower gear Drive directly downhill not at an angle Slide to the rear of your seat Keep both feet firmly on the footrests Pump the brakes if needed do not ride the brakes

Operating skills Riding over obstacles Approach obstacle at a proper angle (as close to 90 degrees as possible). Maintain weight on footrests and slightly back. Keep your knees and elbows slightly bent as you lightly apply the throttle. After the front wheels clear, lean forward and release the throttle. As the rear wheels crossover keep a forward lean as your momentum carries your vehicle over the object.

Rigid mount equipment This type of equipment is usually bolted to the front or rear of the machine. It includes cargo racks to transport feed or supplies, broadcast seeders, and wick applicators for chemical weed control. Rigid mount equipment will significantly affect the weight and stability of your off-highway vehicle. Mounting on the front of an off-highway vehicle can make steering more difficult and decrease traction on the rear wheels. Rear mounting can increase the chance of rear overturn. Both frontal and rear mounting can increase the chance of side overturn. Therefore, extra caution must be exercised when operating on both level and sloped ground.

Spraying Systems

Towing and other implements Pull-type equipment Pull equipment is attached to the off-highway vehicle’s drawbar and affects the vehicle’s stability. When equipment is added, counterweights can be used to offset the load and improve the balance of the machine. As the amount of pull required of the drawbar increases, so too does the tendency for the front end of the off-highway vehicle to rise. Use the engine to slow your vehicle and downshift.

Transporting Your OHV Loading your OHV Make sure the ramps are properly positioned. When approaching the ramp make sure you are in the lowest gear to have the adequate power to ascend the ramps. Centering the OHV slightly on the rear axle this will ensure a smoother ride. It also decreases the amount of weight on the hitch. Dismount your OHV and secure the parking brake. Then, turn off the ignition & remove your key. The fuel & engine switch should also be in the off position.

Use straps not ropes (ratchet straps are best) Make sure the straps are hooked directly to the frame, rack or bumper Hook the longer end of the strap to the trailer as close as possible to the OHV in a secure position It is best to use 4 straps (one on each corner) The straps need to be tight enough to compress the shocks (when done properly the tires will appear a little low) Test the security by shaking the OHV, no straps should come loose Tying Down the OHV

Clic Duals Go Places and Do Things You Never Dared Before Clic Duals help improve OHV safety and stability by broadening the wheelbase, giving you a more sure-footed profile. That means you're less likely to roll over -- which is important for both OHV novices as well as experienced OHV enthusiasts looking to "push the limits." More Rubber Means Better Weight Distribution If you're using your OHV for crop scouting, Clic Duals lessen yield-robbing compaction by distributing the weight. Even if you're not farming, better flotation means you're not digging trenches into your trail.

Dual Tire Systems

Weight Distribution

Dual System

For more information on this system see below: Dual Concepts, Inc NW School Street Ankeny, IA Phone: Fax:

Thank YOU! If you want more information on OHV safety please check out our website at Or contact me at: Erik Dietrich North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department 1600 East Century Ave Suite 3 Bismarck ND Phone #