Riding on Different Types of Terrain

Trails

• Use caution when moving from sunny to shaded areas on a trail. Your eyes may not adjust quickly enough to see rocks or ruts in the shade.
• Operate within your limits. Avoid trails that are beyond the capabilities of your machine or your skill level. One difficult section on an otherwise easy trail makes it beyond your ability.
• For maximum safety, keep your headlight on so that oncoming riders can see you easily.
• Keep to the right on trails, and yield to uphill traffic.

Mud and Water

Operating through rivers, streams, lakes, and wetlands is illegal, unethical, and irresponsible. It causes environmental damage and negatively impacts fish, wildlife, and habitat. You will, however, encounter puddles or low-water crossings on trails. When you do, follow these suggested guidelines.

• Determine the depth of the water before you cross.
• Keep your feet firmly on the footrests, which may become slippery.
• Drive through the water at a slow, steady speed so that you can spot and avoid submerged obstacles and slippery rocks.
• Stay alert!
• Do not drive into water that is deeper than the maximum depth specified in your owner’s manual.
• Avoid spinning your wheels, which disrupts streambeds and erodes banks.
• Test your brakes once you’re on dry land.
• If you have four-wheel drive, make certain that it’s engaged in low gear.

Sand Dunes

• Mount an antenna flag on your OHV so that other riders can see you approaching.
• Avoid riding on vegetation or wet sand.
• Be alert for slip faces and razorbacks.
• Be careful at midday—lack of shadows makes it hard to spot hazards.

slip face -
Lee slope of a sand dune. Characterized by an extremely steep incline opposite the prevailing winds below the crest or ridge line of a dune.

razorback -
Peak of a sand dune that sharply drops off on either side.

Snow

• Perform winter maintenance on your OHV as directed in your owner’s manual.
• Make certain you have been trained in surviving the extremes of the environment in which you’ll be traveling. Never venture into an area without properly preparing for the unexpected.
• Check with local law enforcement to find out if your OHV is allowed on snowmobile trails.
• Check local weather forecasts and monitor weather changes.
• Dress warmly to offset the wind chill created by your motion.
• Before venturing onto a frozen lake, make sure the ice is thick enough to support your loaded OHV safely.
• Ride only on firm snow or groomed trails. Operating on soft snow can damage the terrain.
• Watch for snow drifts. They may cause an accident or cause you to get stuck.

Ice

Ice is as hard as pavement and requires extreme caution. Spins are common and fast stops are impossible.

• Equipping your tires with chains can improve traction and stopping.
• Use slow speed. To stop, let up on the throttle and coast to a stop.
• Don’t go onto lakes or rivers unless you know the ice conditions. The ice should be thick enough to support your loaded OHV safely.
• Stay away from areas where streams are flowing in or out of the ice, which weakens the area.
• As a rule, it’s best to stay off frozen rivers and lakes.