Off-Road Basics—Before You Ride

Know Your Off-Road Vehicle (ORV)

An ORV is not a toy. It’s a vehicle built primarily for offroad recreation. ORVs can provide hours of safe, enjoyable off-road riding. But ORVs also can be dangerous if you don’t understand your vehicle or know proper riding procedures.

• Because there are different types of ORVs and each has its own handling characteristics, it’s important for you to study your owner’s manual and understand how to operate your vehicle.
• For example, most all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), a popular type of ORV, have front and rear brakes, but some have linked brakes. You need to know the correct stopping techniques for your vehicle.
• ORVs also use different transmissions, shifting mechanisms, throttle mechanisms, starting mechanisms, cooling systems, and axle designs.
• Controls and their locations differ from one ORV type and model to another.

When operating an ORV, remember these facts.

• ORVs are designed primarily for off-road use.
• Operating an ORV on paved surfaces can be hazardous because of handling issues.
• Riding on paved roads is a leading cause of ORV-related fatalities.
• Only carry a passenger if your machine is designed by the manufacturer to carry another person; most are not.