Stupid Kills? or What can the ATV community do to reduce the number of serious injuries?
Jan 12, 2007 | 08:49 PM
#71
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Stupid Kills? or What can the ATV community do to reduce the number of serious injuries?
Originally posted by: Dragginbutt
Hey Deanz, I want to personally think you for taking time to give back man... I know that being an instructor is a thankless job... I also know that once in a while I get discouraged when I hear kids get hurt on these, and really angry when I hear the parents did something dumb too.. and that is why I am also an instructor... although I haven't been teaching now for almost 4 years. I am the living example of even the best of the best can crash.. and yes I was doing the stupid thing when I experienced my senior moment. After 7 operations over 3+ yeasr to repair a knee I blew up, then turing right around the following winter and slipping on ice on my steps and shattering my ankle, I lost another season to casts, surgeries and crutches. Maybe I can get out again in teh spring. I sure hope so, I have a brand new Rubicon that is 4 years old now. I haven't ridden it more than maybe 3 hours on the motor. Er... doh...
Anyway, this is the kind of personal commitment I am talking about. Anyone who takes personal action.. and that can be anything from writing letters in support of ATV initiatives, to teaching, to marking trails you name it... well these people deserve respect and our thanks. I get mine from another little personal thing I do. I gather old helmets from people who are moving up and have one to give away.. I give them to people on the trail when I see them not have one. Especially the kids sizes. They grow out of them before they even get scratched sometimes. I also have a standing order with my local dealer to give any family that can't afford a helmet for their kids a new helmet, and put it on my bill. So far I have bought 17 in the past 10 years. Money well spent I figure.
Hey Deanz, I want to personally think you for taking time to give back man... I know that being an instructor is a thankless job... I also know that once in a while I get discouraged when I hear kids get hurt on these, and really angry when I hear the parents did something dumb too.. and that is why I am also an instructor... although I haven't been teaching now for almost 4 years. I am the living example of even the best of the best can crash.. and yes I was doing the stupid thing when I experienced my senior moment. After 7 operations over 3+ yeasr to repair a knee I blew up, then turing right around the following winter and slipping on ice on my steps and shattering my ankle, I lost another season to casts, surgeries and crutches. Maybe I can get out again in teh spring. I sure hope so, I have a brand new Rubicon that is 4 years old now. I haven't ridden it more than maybe 3 hours on the motor. Er... doh...
Anyway, this is the kind of personal commitment I am talking about. Anyone who takes personal action.. and that can be anything from writing letters in support of ATV initiatives, to teaching, to marking trails you name it... well these people deserve respect and our thanks. I get mine from another little personal thing I do. I gather old helmets from people who are moving up and have one to give away.. I give them to people on the trail when I see them not have one. Especially the kids sizes. They grow out of them before they even get scratched sometimes. I also have a standing order with my local dealer to give any family that can't afford a helmet for their kids a new helmet, and put it on my bill. So far I have bought 17 in the past 10 years. Money well spent I figure.
Dragginbutt,
You are one of the most proactive riders I have heard of in a while. It's great what you do for the kids who do not have at least the MINIMUM in riding gear. I hate seeing people not wearing helmets. I hate to say it but sometimes people don't learn about the importance of helmets until it's too late. Hindsight is definitely 20/20.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]
Jan 12, 2007 | 11:10 PM
#72
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Joined: Feb 2004
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Stupid Kills? or What can the ATV community do to reduce the number of serious injuries?
one of the things I like to point out in my safety classes is that out of all the human organs , the BRAIN is the only one that cannot repair it's self ,
Draggingbutt the helmet thing is awsome both collecting and the buying ,AWSOME Idea ,cudos to you .
Jan 13, 2007 | 07:48 PM
#73
Pro Rider
Is old enough to know better, but too young to stop.
Is old enough to know better, but too young to stop.
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 2,681
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From: Northern Virginia, near DC
Stupid Kills? or What can the ATV community do to reduce the number of serious injuries?
Thaks for the kind words guys. It is nothing. I think if people just look, they can find somethign like this to do locally. I got the idea from a club I rode with.. they used to pass around just about everything you could imagine, including old machines that people always keep around just in case a friend wants to go riding but doesn't have a machine etc. That is what I keep my old Warrior for.
I'd like to expand another pet project some day too. Setting up a website where parents can exchange good servicable gear for just the cost of shipping. I mean, you have kids growing so fast that they quickly outgrow jerseys, gloves, boots you name it. Those items have a lot of good miles in them. why not put them to good use. MAYBE, someone on this website can be pursuaded to set this up... I tried a while back.,.. If more people get involved and ask, then maybe it can fly...
Right now, I am trying to find time to put together a resource book/website what ever for parents to go and find answers to the questions they have on the subject of ATV's. The data is out there, but it is hard to find. A one stop place to find it is what is needed. I have started this several times, but time has not been kind to me. So it doesn't get done. BUt it is on my list of things to do. Imagine knowing where to find the laws for your state, safety tips, tipos on how to size a machine to a child, how to evaluate the child's rediness for riding etc. What body of knowledge they need to make good decisions so that I never hear "I didn't know" again... I hope to put it together someday....
These are things others can do as well on a local basis, and probably do a much better job than I can... All I ask is for people to give it a try...
I'd like to expand another pet project some day too. Setting up a website where parents can exchange good servicable gear for just the cost of shipping. I mean, you have kids growing so fast that they quickly outgrow jerseys, gloves, boots you name it. Those items have a lot of good miles in them. why not put them to good use. MAYBE, someone on this website can be pursuaded to set this up... I tried a while back.,.. If more people get involved and ask, then maybe it can fly...
Right now, I am trying to find time to put together a resource book/website what ever for parents to go and find answers to the questions they have on the subject of ATV's. The data is out there, but it is hard to find. A one stop place to find it is what is needed. I have started this several times, but time has not been kind to me. So it doesn't get done. BUt it is on my list of things to do. Imagine knowing where to find the laws for your state, safety tips, tipos on how to size a machine to a child, how to evaluate the child's rediness for riding etc. What body of knowledge they need to make good decisions so that I never hear "I didn't know" again... I hope to put it together someday....
These are things others can do as well on a local basis, and probably do a much better job than I can... All I ask is for people to give it a try...
Jan 16, 2007 | 07:01 AM
#74
Red Rider
Honda, accept nothing less!
Honda, accept nothing less!
Joined: Dec 2002
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Stupid Kills? or What can the ATV community do to reduce the number of serious injuries?
Utility quads have progressively gotten larger and heavier. Displacement had gone up, and IRS and longer travel suspension have raised the center of gravity on these machines. Manufacturers seem to be in a race to see who can build the biggest, baddest, monster ute. I think all these trends have made these machine less and less safe! While there is a place for large machines, for the average trail rider these are way out of proportion. It would be nice to see the manufacturers put some R&D into coming up with some smaller, lighter, better handling "hybrid" machines.
While most folks around here (So. Calif.) will choose a sport quad, the huge utes seem to appeal most to the "senior citizen" crowd, who I presume are looking for a comfy "cruiser couch". I also think they can't imagine what they would do with a sport quad if they got it stuck, so they automatically go for the 4X4's. These folks are less physically able to handle a big heavy machine in the first place, and more likely to get seriously hurt in a rollover.........
Grandma would actually be better off on a small, light, easy to handle, 350 pound Honda 250EX, than a 600-800+ pound monster ute......but she will probably never realize it! If not, maybe even better off in a Rhino with a rollcage????
While most folks around here (So. Calif.) will choose a sport quad, the huge utes seem to appeal most to the "senior citizen" crowd, who I presume are looking for a comfy "cruiser couch". I also think they can't imagine what they would do with a sport quad if they got it stuck, so they automatically go for the 4X4's. These folks are less physically able to handle a big heavy machine in the first place, and more likely to get seriously hurt in a rollover.........
Grandma would actually be better off on a small, light, easy to handle, 350 pound Honda 250EX, than a 600-800+ pound monster ute......but she will probably never realize it! If not, maybe even better off in a Rhino with a rollcage????
Jan 16, 2007 | 10:33 AM
#75
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Stupid Kills? or What can the ATV community do to reduce the number of serious injuries?
Originally posted by: reconranger
Utility quads have progressively gotten larger and heavier. Displacement had gone up, and IRS and longer travel suspension have raised the center of gravity on these machines. Manufacturers seem to be in a race to see who can build the biggest, baddest, monster ute. I think all these trends have made these machine less and less safe! While there is a place for large machines, for the average trail rider these are way out of proportion. It would be nice to see the manufacturers put some R&D into coming up with some smaller, lighter, better handling "hybrid" machines.
While most folks around here (So. Calif.) will choose a sport quad, the huge utes seem to appeal most to the "senior citizen" crowd, who I presume are looking for a comfy "cruiser couch". I also think they can't imagine what they would do with a sport quad if they got it stuck, so they automatically go for the 4X4's. These folks are less physically able to handle a big heavy machine in the first place, and more likely to get seriously hurt in a rollover.........
Grandma would actually be better off on a small, light, easy to handle, 350 pound Honda 250EX, than a 600-800+ pound monster ute......but she will probably never realize it! If not, maybe even better off in a Rhino with a rollcage????
Utility quads have progressively gotten larger and heavier. Displacement had gone up, and IRS and longer travel suspension have raised the center of gravity on these machines. Manufacturers seem to be in a race to see who can build the biggest, baddest, monster ute. I think all these trends have made these machine less and less safe! While there is a place for large machines, for the average trail rider these are way out of proportion. It would be nice to see the manufacturers put some R&D into coming up with some smaller, lighter, better handling "hybrid" machines.
While most folks around here (So. Calif.) will choose a sport quad, the huge utes seem to appeal most to the "senior citizen" crowd, who I presume are looking for a comfy "cruiser couch". I also think they can't imagine what they would do with a sport quad if they got it stuck, so they automatically go for the 4X4's. These folks are less physically able to handle a big heavy machine in the first place, and more likely to get seriously hurt in a rollover.........
Grandma would actually be better off on a small, light, easy to handle, 350 pound Honda 250EX, than a 600-800+ pound monster ute......but she will probably never realize it! If not, maybe even better off in a Rhino with a rollcage????
Jan 16, 2007 | 11:05 AM
#76
Red Rider
Honda, accept nothing less!
Honda, accept nothing less!
Joined: Dec 2002
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Stupid Kills? or What can the ATV community do to reduce the number of serious injuries?
GRANDMA DON'T TOW! These folks are just out riding trails.
Pure work quads have never really caught on around here. Mostly just lighter machines used in agriculture. A few hunters, and a few of us looking to ride nasty terrain, and not much more than that. Everybody else had the good sense to get a sport quad!
Pure work quads have never really caught on around here. Mostly just lighter machines used in agriculture. A few hunters, and a few of us looking to ride nasty terrain, and not much more than that. Everybody else had the good sense to get a sport quad!
Jan 16, 2007 | 11:16 AM
#77
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Stupid Kills? or What can the ATV community do to reduce the number of serious injuries?
My grandma towed a trailer with a Ute. She had a Yamaha Ute and used it to pull a trailer full of corn back to the stand so people could have REAL FRESH CORN, yes her olds 88 prolly could have lumbered back into the field but what a handy machine that Ute was.
My Ute has also pulled a trailer full of wood after storms dropped them in the yard. It also plows and so on.
I doubt I really work my quad near as hard as some others on this site, but I assure you....no sport quad would be up to the tasks I put mine to...........and FAR from what others might.
My 2 cents [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]
My Ute has also pulled a trailer full of wood after storms dropped them in the yard. It also plows and so on.
I doubt I really work my quad near as hard as some others on this site, but I assure you....no sport quad would be up to the tasks I put mine to...........and FAR from what others might.
My 2 cents [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]
Jan 16, 2007 | 12:33 PM
#78
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Honda, accept nothing less!
Honda, accept nothing less!
Joined: Dec 2002
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Stupid Kills? or What can the ATV community do to reduce the number of serious injuries?
That's somewhere else, not around here!
We actually had a guy killed on a landscaping site. Rolled the quad over in a ditch and crushed his chest. Most likely he wasn't a well trained rider and maybe not even wearing a helmet....certainly not wearing a chest protector. But, these are the kind of things that the anti-quad folks will pick up on.......and use against us. Why add fuel to the flames, with machines that are only marginally safe to begin with?????
We actually had a guy killed on a landscaping site. Rolled the quad over in a ditch and crushed his chest. Most likely he wasn't a well trained rider and maybe not even wearing a helmet....certainly not wearing a chest protector. But, these are the kind of things that the anti-quad folks will pick up on.......and use against us. Why add fuel to the flames, with machines that are only marginally safe to begin with?????
Jan 16, 2007 | 01:36 PM
#79
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Stupid Kills? or What can the ATV community do to reduce the number of serious injuries?
How bout al the people killed on lawn tractors? I hear people use them with kids riding along and get hurt all the time. Maybe you should be required to take a safety class to run a lawnmower as well J/k[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]
Jan 16, 2007 | 07:31 PM
#80
Pro Rider
Is old enough to know better, but too young to stop.
Is old enough to know better, but too young to stop.
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 2,681
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From: Northern Virginia, near DC
Stupid Kills? or What can the ATV community do to reduce the number of serious injuries?
Huh.. I guess it comes down to local riding conditions. If you have the dunes, great.. but very few states have those conditions. I hate to burst your bubble, but I read some industry stats a year or two ago that indicated Utes sell about 5 to 1 over sport mahines.
And why are you picking on us old folks and our need for power and comfort? I leave the flying up to pilots. I putt around on my ute because I can. I worked hard for it.. I bought it.. I can afford about anything I want, but I CHOOSE to ride one Because I have a handicap, I can't pull a machine out of a hole any more. I NEED the 4 wheel drive just in case I get in over my head.
I own sport quads... and I have to say I keep going back to two machines. My 3 year old Rubicon, and my 8 year old Warrior. I haven't thrown a leg over my Raptor for a long time. It isn't because I can't, I just enjoy the other two more. Besides, I do so much more with the ute that I can't do with the sport machine. Like plowing snow, pushing rock, towing trailers... Most recently I manhandled a 300+ pound generator onto the back rack, chained it down, and pulled it around to the front of my property so I could mount it in my trailer. That would have left my sport machie begging for mercy.
I think to each their own. Neither is perfect for everyone. Mine are perfect for ME. I am saving some cash for a Rhino or a Kubota RTV next. I really love the rhino, but man that RTV can do some work.. and it is a diesel, and can come with a full hard cab. Quite handy when plowing snow. Put on a set of tracks, and you have an unstopable tank. The diesel isn't going to set any speed records, but you cannot kill it. Ever see a Kubota tractor that died? Nope. And believe me, they get abused.
And why are you picking on us old folks and our need for power and comfort? I leave the flying up to pilots. I putt around on my ute because I can. I worked hard for it.. I bought it.. I can afford about anything I want, but I CHOOSE to ride one Because I have a handicap, I can't pull a machine out of a hole any more. I NEED the 4 wheel drive just in case I get in over my head.
I own sport quads... and I have to say I keep going back to two machines. My 3 year old Rubicon, and my 8 year old Warrior. I haven't thrown a leg over my Raptor for a long time. It isn't because I can't, I just enjoy the other two more. Besides, I do so much more with the ute that I can't do with the sport machine. Like plowing snow, pushing rock, towing trailers... Most recently I manhandled a 300+ pound generator onto the back rack, chained it down, and pulled it around to the front of my property so I could mount it in my trailer. That would have left my sport machie begging for mercy.
I think to each their own. Neither is perfect for everyone. Mine are perfect for ME. I am saving some cash for a Rhino or a Kubota RTV next. I really love the rhino, but man that RTV can do some work.. and it is a diesel, and can come with a full hard cab. Quite handy when plowing snow. Put on a set of tracks, and you have an unstopable tank. The diesel isn't going to set any speed records, but you cannot kill it. Ever see a Kubota tractor that died? Nope. And believe me, they get abused.