ATV Basics: Reading and Traversing Terrain

To ride safely, you need to be able to assess the terrain ahead of you and understand the capabilities of your machine.

• Stay on existing trails. Avoid dangerous terrain such as steep slopes, marshes, and swamps. Also, keep an eye out for large holes, ruts, bumps, debris, and other obstacles.
• Travel at speeds appropriate for the terrain, visibility, operating conditions, and your ability.
• Constantly scan the path ahead of you to pick the safest route around obstacles or hazards.
• Carefully approach hills, turns, and other obstacles.
• Be especially alert when traveling over unfamiliar terrain.

Riding on Different Types of Terrain

Mud and Water
IC-14-16-1-23(a)(13)

• ATVs are designed to ride through shallow water and mud, but they also can damage the environment.
• It is illegal to ride an ATV in a creek or stream.

Snow

ATVs and all other wheeled vehicles are prohibited from using state snowmobile trails unless designated for ATV use.

• Ride only on firm snow or groomed trails where permitted by law. Riding on soft snow can damage the terrain.
• Watch for snowdrifts. They may cause an accident or cause you to get stuck.

Crossing Roads and Highways
IC-14-16-1-20; IC-14-16-1-23

Because ATVs are designed exclusively for off-road use, they can be difficult to handle on paved surfaces. Riding on or crossing a road illegally or improperly is a leading cause of ATV rider fatalities.

If you must cross a road, follow this safe procedure.

• Stop at a right angle to the road.
• Pick a crossing point where you have good visibility in both directions.
• Bring your vehicle to a complete stop on the shoulder of the road.
• Look both ways, and yield to oncoming traffic.
• Proceed forward slowly because your ORV may be difficult to maneuver on pavement.
• Drive straight across the road.

If You Have an Accident
IC-14-16-1-24

You are required by law to report immediately any accident you are involved in that results in serious injury or death, or more than $750 in damages. Use the quickest means of communication, and notify at least one of the following: conservation officer, sheriff’s office, police department of the municipality where the accident occurred, or the state police.