BRAAAAP SAFELY Here, There & Everywhere...

Know & Use Hand Signals To Communicate with Traffic

Ever wonder why everyone is waving at you in the trails? They are not! They are actually thinking about your safety and letting you know about oncoming traffic behind them. Oncoming traffic is a reality in St. Helen's trail systems, and also on many popular trails systems, so we encourage all riders to learn and use the special hand signals used for oncoming traffic.

Indicate how many in your group to on coming trail traffic...

When two groups of riders approach each other on the trail, the leader of each group should use their left hand to signal how many riders are coming after them, and each following rider does the same. Five fingers mean five or more riders, four fingers mean four and so on. A fist held in the air is the signal for last rider.

If there are more than 5 in your group, say 8, the leader of a group will hold up five fingers, and the 2 riders behind them will also hold up five. The fourth rider will hold up four, the fifth rider will hold up three and the sequence will continue until the last rider holds up a fist.

Communicate with traffic on the roads...

These aren’t the only hand signals you need to know. Signals like “slow down,” “oncoming riders,” “stop” and “obstacle.” Are important for leaders to share with riders behind them. It is also important when traveling on roads with your ORV that you are safely letting traffic know when you are turning. Check out this helpful link to see more important hand signals to know...

https://www.offroad-ed.com/michigan/studyGuide/Learning-Hand-Signals/401023_154784/

Check your ORV every ride...

We always recommend you thoroughly look over your vehicle before a trail ride. A good once-over can reveal issues that would get in the way of your day on the trails. This is one of those simple steps that can pay off big time in terms of preventing breakdowns, injuries or fires.

Check fluid levels and look for any signs of leakage. The image shown is a perfect example of how many ORV fires start. The YXZ's rear diff was leaking and the fluid sprayed onto its exhaust pipe & headers. If we would have kept riding that very well could have been a fire after the exhaust got hot.
Check your tire pressure and inspect tires for wear, or punctures.
Ensure wheel and axle nuts are tight. Rock tires to pinpoint loose fasteners or worn bearings.
Make sure all lights, switches, and gauges are operating correctly.
Check fuel levels. It is always better to head out with a full tank of gas. Avoid carrying fuel if you can get fuel along your route.
Check that all leaked fluids, sticks & packed debris are cleaned from skid plates and around the engine and exhaust. Certain areas of your ORV get hot enough to catch dry grasses and debris on fire. ORV fires can happen to any type of vehicle, it's NOT just a Polaris RZR thing!

RECOMMENDED SAFETY EQUIPMENT

Helmets and Goggles are smart and protect you in an accident. Riding gloves improve your grip and protect your hands against chafing and debris.

A First aid Kit is always great to keep on hand for yourself or another injured BRAAAAPer.

A fire extinguisher mounted with a quick release mount can allow you to get a person out of an ORV that is on fire or help prevent a wildfire.

Window Nets offer a bit of added safety on the trail. They prevent branches entering the cab. They also help keep arms inside the vehicle in a tip.

• Upgrade from stock seat belts harnesses. A four-point harness has one strap over each shoulder and