Courtesy on the ATV Trail
Those who own All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) have had to deal with a number of issues regarding their behavior while riding. Some of these issues deal with safety, while others deal with the rider's behavior towards sharing trails and tresspassing on someone elses land.
Many drivers are irresponsible when it comes to the laws that prohibit the use of ATVs in certain areas. There are many who have opened up their land and designated hundreds of trails as safe and legal places for ATV riders to use. However, there are a number of rules, both implied and legislated, which have been developed to ensure the safety of those who drive ATVs.
It is important to remember that when you are riding a trail, you are responsible for watching and listening for others. You should not merely react when someone or something comes your way. This approach will go a long way towards preventing the accidents and misunderstandings that can take place on the trails.
It is generally accepted that riders should stay on the right side of the trail. If you need to pass on the left for one reason or another, you should always ask for and get permission from the rider in front of you before you do so. Make sure that you are able to slow down significantly and use caution at all curves and junctions. You do not want to experience a surprise when riding an ATV. Surprises are never safe - regardless of what type of vehicle you happen to be riding!
If you should encounter a horse while you are riding your ATV, always yield to the horse and rider. Go out of your way to make sure that the horse has seen and heard you. In addition, you will want to give the horse adequate room to pass you on the trail. Remember that motorized recreation vehicles, such as ATVs, can usually be heard coming, and the horse rider may be well out of the way. If not, be courteous, and shut off your motor. Then allow the rider to get a safe distance beyond you before you start it back up again. If you happen to notice that a horse is becoming edgy, nervous, or agitated, always turn off your engine. Then ask the rider what you can do to make the situation better for him and the horse.
A great majority of responsible riders have had their reputation negatively affected by those who do not follow the rules of the trails and who do not take the necessary time to be courteous. If you will use simple courtesy and have respect for others and their property, you can be a role model to others and hopefully discourage other riders of ATVs from being on non-designated trails, or from using other's private land without permission.
This type of responsible thinking will also help to prevent riders from driving their ATV under the influence of alcohol or drugs. A number of accidents happen each year because of this unfortunate behavior. Driving an ATV under the influence can cause death or injury to yourself or others around you.
Keep in mind that there is always a good chance that you may encounter someone who is using the trail you are on for a purpose other than the driving of ATVs. If you encounter this situation, it is best to give others the respect that you desire from them. Always be active in your effort to hear and see others who may be on the same trail as you. When you encounter another rider on the trail it is best to be safe and always yield.
