Abstract
This summary outlines the primary points of a paper concerning a human factors and safety analysis of the all-terrain vehicle (ATV). The ATV has become a popular consumer product and is being widely used in various work related environments. However, the safety of the different ATV designs is being seriously questioned, and the ATV related accident rates are showing alarming trends. In addition to giving such accident statistics, the paper to be presented will be concerned with various safety-related aspects of ATVs such as (1) the design of warning decals and owner's manuals, (2) safety devices, (3) thumb-operated versus twist throttles, (4) seat design, (5) luggage rack designs and (6) the unique operating characteristics and instability conditions. Two safety devices designed by this author and his students to prevent the ATV from tipping over backwards are discussed and the results of field tests, and possibly a video demonstration, are presented.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.