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ATV - How to Properly Ride and Operate

Riding an ATV correctly allows the operator to control the machine easily and react more quickly to changes in terrain and environment. Proper riding posture includes:

  • head and eyes up, looking forward,
  • shoulders relaxed, with elbows bent slightly,
  • hands on the handlebars,
  • knees in toward the gas tank,
  • feet on the footrests, toes pointing straight ahead, and
  • back straight but not tense.
  • To turn an ATV, keep most of your body weight on the outside foot peg and lean your upper body into the turn. Never lower your foot to the ground for stability as it could cause ejection if foot is caught by the tire.
  • When climbing hills, shift your body weight forward to keep the front wheels on the ground.
  • If stopped while going uphill, do not apply the rear brake only. Apply equal pressure to both front and rear brakes, but never only to the rear brake. Get off the machine and turn it around to proceed down the hill.
  • When going downhill, keep the engine running and in low gear, apply both front and rear brakes with even pressure and avoid sharp turns. Slide body forward on seat towards gas tank, keeping body weight back by leaning backwards. This will help keep weight on back wheels and lessen the potential to flip the ATV over forward.
  • Avoid sidehill situations. When they are unavoidable, lean into the hill.
  • When carrying a load uphill, if possible, place load on the front of the ATV to help keep the front end of the ATV from flipping over. If going downhill, place load on back of ATV to help keep the ATV from flipping over forward. If loads cannot be adjusted, try to equalize the load on front and back if possible. Drip torches should be mounted on back.
  • Only operate an ATV under the conditions for which you have been trained, qualified for, and have experience riding.
  • As a last resort to avoid an impending collision, roll off the vehicle and kick yourself free of it.
Category
Vehicles Roads


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NWCG Latest Announcements

2024 Wildland Fire Emergency Medical Service Awards

Date: May 22, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Emergency Medical Committee

The NWCG Emergency Medical Committee (EMC) is proud to announce the recipients of the 2024 Wildland Fire Emergency Medical Service Awards. Each year, EMC recognizes individuals and groups who have demonstrated exceptional actions or accomplishments that go above and beyond their normal mission or job duties.

Congratulations to all the awardees and nominees. Through leadership and initiative, they have made significant contributions to the safety and well-being of the wildland fire community. These honors are well deserved.

References:

2024 Wildland Fire EMS Awards

NWCG Emergency Medical Committee

NWCG Welcomes the Incident Management Teams Association as an Associate Member

Date: May 21, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
https://www.nwcg.gov/contact-us

The NWCG Executive Board is honored to announce that the Incident Management Teams Association (IMTA) has joined the National Wildfire Coordinating Group as an associate member.

IMTA is a dedicated group of incident management professionals committed to enhancing the profession by promoting standards and fostering collaboration across federal, state, local, Tribal, and private sector partners throughout all phases of incident management.

“Joining NWCG aligns with our mission to elevate incident management professionals nationwide,” said Dr. Randal Collins, President of IMTA. “This is a proud moment for all of us committed to advancing public safety.”

References:

Incident Management Teams Association

National Wildfire Coordinating Group

Updated NWCG Guide for Wildland Fire Modules, PMS 431

Date: May 14, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Fire Use Subcommittee

The updated NWCG Guide for Wildland Fire Modules, PMS 431 serves as a supplemental resource for wildland fire module operations, providing information frequently used in the field.

PMS 431 defines the organizational structure, staffing, and qualifications for Type 1 and Type 2 Wildland Fire Modules, outlining their roles in wildland fire suppression, prescribed fire, and resource management. The NWCG Guide for Wildland Fire Modules, PMS 431, should be used in conjunction with the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Module Operations, PMS 430.

References:

NWCG Guide for Wildland Fire Modules, PMS 431

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Module Operations, PMS 430

Updated NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Resource Typing, PMS 200 Now Includes Off-Highway Vehicle Typing Standards

Date: May 13, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Mobile Fire Equipment Subcommittee 

The NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Resource Typing, PMS 200 has been updated to include newly developed Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) typing standards. These standards organize OHV information into logical categories and outline key safety requirements for occupants.

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Resource Typing, PMS 200 establishes minimum typing standards for aircraft, crews, and equipment used in national mobilization to wildland fire incidents. Typing designations are assigned based on measurable capability and performance criteria.

References:

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Resource Typing, PMS 200