To be a safe ORV operator, you must understand how the unique design of your ORV also makes it potentially dangerous if not handled properly. For example, the following chart lists several ATV design factors and their risks and requirements.
| Design |
Risks/Requirements |
| Capable of traveling over rough terrain |
Unknown hazards and obstacles, such as rocks,
ruts, stumps, fences, holes, and embankments,
may cause collisions and rollovers. |
| Wide, low-pressure, knobby
tires |
May cause loss of control from wobble or
bounce. Create unstable handling on paved
roads. |
| Fixed rear axle for traction |
May cause loss of control on paved surfaces.
Requires special riding skills for turns. |
| Powerful drive train with high
and low gear ratios |
Makes it capable of speeds that are too fast for
conditions and/or operator’s skill level.
Has power to climb until it flips over backward. |
| High ground clearance and
short, narrow wheelbase |
Requires operator to meet minimum size and
weight requirements to balance the vehicle
properly. |
| Seat on top of the vehicle |
Requires operator to maintain balance on the
vehicle. Creates a high center of gravity. Can
cause operator to fall or be thrown. Provides no
protection for the operator in a collision or a
rollover. In a rollover, the weight of the vehicle
can crush the operator. |
