1. The wearing of correct personal protective equipment, including a helmet, is essential when operating an ATV.

2. Safety training should be undertaken by all ATV operators. Children under the age of 16 are not permitted to ride ATVs. ESB Networks crews use ATVs in their daily business and all their operators are fully trained to a professional standard before using their machines.

3. Machine maintenance is key to the safe use of an ATV. Tyre pressures should be checked regularly, as one underinflated tyre can cause a serious imbalance on an incline. Servicing should be undertaken in accordance with manufacturers’ guidelines. A badly running engine can cause the machine to react erratically to throttle inputs or a badly maintained braking or steering system can lead to accidents.

4. Carrying loads on the front and/or rear racks on an ATV is convenient, but can be risky because the extra weight can affect braking, alter the centre of gravity or make the vehicle more difficult to control. Extra care should be taken when carrying a load.

5. Carrying passengers is not allowed on ATVs. The length of the seat is for the rider to shift their weight in order to balance the bike correctly, not for passengers.

6. The way that the ATV is driven has a massive influence on the safety of its operation. Simple things such as weight movements have an effect on safety. Leaning into the inside of a corner, leaning forward when going up an incline, leaning backwards and using the correct gear and brakes on a decline and using gentle inputs to the steering and throttle are essential for safe use. Most accidents occur on flat ground when too much throttle is used, causing the bike’s front wheels to rise off the ground and flip over.

7. If towed implements are being used behind an ATV, they should comply with the manufacturers’ specification for weight and size. Overweight or oversized trailed implements may cause braking and/or balance issues.

8. When mounting a sprayer on an ATV, the movement of the liquid in the tank may cause the machine to become unstable on uneven ground.

9. When operating in a new area, it is advisable to walk the route before riding through it, as this will give a better understanding of the dangers or obstacles which may be there.

10. Most ATVs are not suitable for road use and should not be used on public roadways. If an ATV is correctly specified for road use, it should be taxed and insured correctly to comply with the rules of the road.

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