The latest figures from the Health and Safety Executive report that in the last five years, ATVs were involved in 14 deaths in agriculture, which makes it the largest cause of death amongst moving vehicles in the agricultural sector.

To ensure ATV users are riding safer and smarter, Can-Am is introducing its top tips for safer riding, underpinned by its Responsible Rider Charter to mark Farm Safety Week (from July 17 to 21).

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Can-Am's user guidance will reinforce rider best practices, while sparking discussions at work or at home about responsible riding and will challenge users to rethink how they approach rider safety.

Rachael Turner, the brand owner, BRP's commercial manager UK and Ireland, said: “Fourteen deaths involving ATVs is 14 too many. As a business, we are committed to educating users on the importance of responsible riding, whether that be through our top tips and charter or by directing users to undertake the training offered by ATVEA or EASI.

"We look forward to users benefiting from what we are doing when it comes to rider safety, so they can be safe when riding and can educate friends or colleagues to ensure they are safe as well.”

Off-road rider safety top tips:

· Make sure that the loads carried on the racks are secure and evenly balanced and do not exceed the capacity of the ATV (check the manufacturer’s recommendations).

· Always be aware of your surroundings and keep your eyes peeled for any pedestrians, livestock, obstructions or other vehicles.

· Regularly Inspect the ATV before use to ensure that it is in good working order.

· Avoid sudden increases in speed as this is one of the common causes of an overturned vehicle.

· Always wear the correct personal protective equipment (PPE) such as a helmet, boots, long sleeve shirt and trousers when out riding.

· When riding across a slope, keep your weight forward. When going downhill, slide your weight backwards, select a low gear and use engine braking, which leads to the reduction in the need to use the brakes.

· When working a new area, make sure you walk the route before riding through it. This will give you a better perspective of the dangers or obstacles that you could come across.

· You cannot predict the British weather, as one minute it could be bright sunshine and the next it could be pouring with rain, so be aware of changes in ground conditions as these could affect the loads you are carrying or the attachments you are pulling.

· Always read the owner’s manual.

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Keeping security simple ...

The way farmers move around their property has evolved, from walking to riding horses, now to driving all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), pointed out Can-Am.

In 2023, these vehicles are now the main workhorse for any farm, no matter the location or size, due to their ability to tackle any terrain and move heavy items from A to B with ease. So if they are stolen, the loss can potentially affect how a farm runs effectively on a day to day basis.

Security top tips:

• When purchasing an ATV ensure the dealership you purchase it from fits a tracker system.

• Ensure that you record all the serial numbers of the vehicles/machinery you may have on site as it will help you identify vehicles if one is stolen.

• Make sure you are lighting the right places on your farm (tool sheds, fuel tanks and outbuildings) and install motion sensor lights that will automatically illuminate areas if any movement is detected.

• Report all incidents of theft and any suspicious behaviour to the police because if it is not, the police will not know it is happening.

• Keep all vehicles out of sight and weld a metal cover over the hasp to protect the building’s padlocks from being cut with bolt cutters.

• Ensure that any storage areas are locked with padlocks, hasps and deadbolts.

• Regularly prune any trees or shrubbery that could potentially block the light sources.

• Regularly tour your farm to look at spots that are in permanent darkness as well as vulnerable areas such as gates, fences and doors that could be damaged and may need fixing or replacing.

• Do not leave any vehicles outside when you have finished with them and ensure the keys have been removed and placed somewhere safe within the house.

• Display signage at the front of your farm telling visitors where they cannot go.