Chapter 6—Safe Operating Practices (continued)
When operating a UTV, observe proper trail etiquette. When in a group, travel in single file (figure 45) and use hand signals (figure 46).
Figure 45—Two UTV operators observe proper trail etiquette.
Courtesy of
Dave Goodin.
Left Turn—Left arm is raised to shoulder height and pointed straight out in the direction of the turn.
Right Turn—Left arm is raised to shoulder height and bent at a right angle.
Slow—Left arm is lowered to waist height and pointed at the ground.
Stop—Left arm is raised above the operator's head and pointed at the sky.
When you encounter other UTV or ATV users, stay to the right and pass slowly. Slow down and yield the right of way when you encounter hikers and bicyclists. When you encounter horses, slow down, pull over, and stop the engine to avoid spooking the animals.
When beginning to operate a UTV, practice braking before proceeding with normal use. Ensure that the pressure applied to the brake pedal stops the machine smoothly without sudden jarring.
The best way to avoid emergency stops is to travel at a safe speed. The faster the UTV is going, the longer it takes to stop. During an emergency stop, press the brake pedal firmly while continuing in a straight line. Turning or swerving during an emergency stop may flip the UTV.
When approaching a turn, apply the brake pedal to slow down. Turn the steering wheel just enough to make the turn. Do not turn at high speeds or turn abruptly (figure 47), because you may flip the UTV. If you need to swerve to miss an object in the trail, slow down and move the UTV smoothly to the side. Do not turn sharply or swerve so far that the UTV leaves the trail. If the UTV goes onto the shoulder of the trail, do not sharply overcorrect. Gently turn the steering wheel until the machine is back on the trail.
Figure 47—An operator slowly navigates a turn on a UTV trail.
Check the UTV owner's manual for each machine's slope capability because each vehicle may be different. Even though UTVs are far more stable than ATVs, they can still flip or roll over when you exceed the maximum slope capability of the machine. Since operator experiences, cargo loads, terrain, and trail conditions all affect the capabilities of a UTV on slopes, use good judgment when deciding whether and how to travel on slopes.
Whenever possible, avoid traveling across a slope. The best way to handle a slope is to climb straight up, descend straight down (figure 48). Never attempt to turn around in the middle of the slope. Back straight down if you can't keep going straight up.
Figure 48—An operator climbs straight up a slope.
If you have to travel across a slope, assess the terrain and choose a path with the least grade. Slow down (figure 49), especially if the terrain is uneven or has lots of dips and bumps. Be extra careful when encountering rough terrain, such as ruts, rocks, or small logs. A rock on the uphill side of a slope or a dip on the downhill side can tip the UTV enough to flip it over. Never operate a UTV loaded to its carrying capacity on more than a slight slope or on a slope with very rough terrain.
Figure 49—An operator takes it slow while traveling
across a slope. Courtesy
of Dave Goodin.
Be alert for shifting cargo. Liquids are heavy and can shift quickly to the downhill side of a UTV or slosh back and forth, instantly moving the center of gravity of a UTV closer to its tipover point.
If you encounter slopes while operating a UTV and you are unsure whether or not they are within your machines capabilities, get off and walk the route. Slopes may be steeper than they appear, especially in rough terrain. If the slope is too steep to traverse, back up and find another route.
Obstacles, such as bumps, dips, rocks, or logs, may have to be crossed when you're operating a UTV. Whenever possible, remove the obstacle or go around it (figure 50).
Figure 50—An operator removes branches
from a
trail before proceeding
If you have to cross an obstacle, maintain a firm grip on the outside of the steering wheel. Do not place your fingers in the steering wheel because the wheel may twist suddenly. Slowly approach the obstacle straight on. When the front tires contact the obstacle, slightly increase the throttle to maintain momentum until the obstacle has been climbed or crossed.
When crossing water, (figure 51) assess the situation before proceeding. Do not cross streams that are deep or swift. Make sure that you can see the bottom of the stream and that the water doesn't become deeper part way across. Check the stream's bottom for mud, boulders, or submerged obstacles. Check the forcefulness of the current. If the current has to be counteracted to maintain balance and direction of travel, the stream is too strong to cross. If a stream is not safe to cross, back up and find another route.
Figure 51—An operator assesses a creek before crossing.
When you cross a road, come to a complete stop at the intersection and look both ways (figure 52). Do not cross roads where visibility is restricted. Once the intersection is free of traffic, drive across the road at a safe speed.
Figure 52—An operator looks both ways before crossing a road.
To park a UTV, press the brake pedal until the machine comes to a stop, shift the transmission into the recommended gear by the owner's manual, engage the parking brake, turn off the engine, and block the tires if you are on a slope. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for shutting off the fuel, if you are parking for longer than 1 or 2 days.
After using a UTV, perform an inspection.
- Examine the vehicle for damage or leaks.
- Check and clean the air filter.
- Check the oil level and coolant levels for changes (figure 53).
- Check the tires for damage.
If damage is found, report it to a supervisor or fleet manager and arrange for a qualified mechanic to make the repairs.
Figure 53—An operator checks the fluid levels after a day in the field.
After an accident:
- Seek medical attention, if needed.
- Notify your supervisor.
- Complete a CA-1 in the Safety and Health Information Portal System (SHIPS) and submit it the Albuquerque Service Center.
- If the UTV was damaged during the accident but you were not injured, the incident must still be entered into SHIPS.
During a rollover, keep your arms, legs, and head inside the vehicle. Do not try to stop the rollover or bail out of the vehicle. Severe injury to arms and legs or even death may be the result. The UTV rollover protection system and a properly fastened seatbelt give you a good chance of surviving a rollover.
Provide the students with a summary of the classroom training session and time to ask questions. Administer the "UTV Operator Written Test (appendix B) and grade the exam using the "Answers for the UTV Operator Written Test" (appendix C).
