Riding with a Whole New Respect

In a matter of a few seconds your life can change forever!

At 16, I thought it couldn’t happen to me, but it did. As a result of an ATV crash, I became a paraplegic paralyzed from the waist down. Many factors contributed to my rollover: two people on the ATV; a downhill corner; excessive speed; impaired judgement; and no helmet.

I am very fortunate to have survived this preventable collision. Today, I still ride, but I ride with a whole new respect. Take it from me – think about safety and use common sense. Ride with a whole new respect. Avoid facing a life-altering situation. Please ride safe and have fun!

While Riding

• Stay in control at all times and always ride within your ability.  Remember… speed kills!

• Drive sober.  Consuming alcohol or drugs before riding impairs judgement and slows your reaction time.

• Always wear an approved motorcycle helmet, eye protection and appropriate footwear.

• Always wear protective clothing such as long sleeved shirts, long pants and leather gloves.

Cornering

• Ease off on the throttle while entering a corner.

• Never take a corner at a speed you can’t control.

• Begin wide turns by leaning your upper body into the turn to maintain control of the machine.

• Make sharp turns by shifting your whole body towards the inside running board.

Climbing Hills

• Keep your feet firmly planted on the footrests.

• Shift into a lower gear and maintain a steady speed before you begin to climb the hill

• Move forward in the seat.

• Lean forward or stand if necessary to put your body weight on the front wheels.

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