Lawn Care: Utility-Type Vehicle Safety

Objective: To promote the safe use of utility-type vehicles.

Background

Utility-type vehicles are popular, multipurpose equipment used for different applications in the lawn care industry. Their hauling capability and versatility have increased their popularity, and they are widely used in rural, suburban, and urban settings for a variety of lawn care, agricultural, construction, and industrial applications.

Safety Tips for Operating a UTV

• Avoid distraction; drivers should not use cell phones or listen to music through headphones when operating a UTV.

• Keep the legs and arms of the operator and passenger inside the vehicle at all times.

• Drive slowly and turn smoothly to prevent an overturn.

• Avoid driving a UTV on steep slopes. In a “must” situation, drive uphill or downhill rather than across the slope. Drive all the way to the top or the bottom of the hill before making a turn. When approaching a downhill slope, reduce the speed before reaching the slope to minimize wear on the brakes.

• Never allow more than two occupants in a UTV.

• Slow down to maintain control and protect the occupants when operating on rough terrain.

• Stay clear of ditches and embankments. If a ditch is 6-feet deep, the rule of thumb is that the vehicle should be at least 6 feet away from the edge of the embankment to avoid embankment failure.

• Permit as passengers only adults who can reach the handhold when sitting with their backs against the seat and their feet flat on the floorboard.

• Ensure that the seat belts of the operator and occupant are always be fastened.

• Be careful when reversing a UTV. Watch especially for young children and pets.

• Do not operate a UTV inside an enclosed area in order to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

• Never operate a UTV under the influence of drugs or

  alcohol.

• Make sure all cargo being transported — including toxic materials — is properly secured in the cargo box. Shifting cargo may cause tipping and spills.

• Use all recommended personal protective equipment when operating a UTV.

• Do not drive UTVs on a public road; they are off-road vehicles.

• Maintain a safe speed and load the cargo box for improved traction when using a UTV for towing.

• Never disengage warning systems or safety devices available on a UTV.

Acknowledgements

This publication was developed with the support of National Youth Farm Safety Education and Certification (grant No. USDA/NIFA- 2010-41521-20830), National Institute of Food and Agriculture, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The team that developed this publication is solely responsible for its content; it does not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. Department of Agriculture or the U.S. Department of Labor. Team members are Robert Grisso, John Perumpral, Don Ohanehi, Mike Goatley, Kathleen Jamison, Cathy Sutphin, Dan Swafford, and Carl Estes.

The team would like to express appreciation for the reviews and comments by David Balderson, teacher, Atlee High School; Phil Blevins, Virginia Cooperative Extension agent; Deborah Chaves, instructor, Monroe Technology Center; Sonya Furgurson, VCE associate agent; Michael Hopkins, instructor, Louisa High School; Emerson Lynn “Kip” Kirby Jr., teacher, Richlands High School; Michael Lachance, VCE agent; Alyssa Walden, VCE associate agent; A.J. Powell Jr., professor emeritus, University of Kentucky.