Yamaha has pledged to help improve farm safety by offering free rider competency training to customers purchasing a new ATV.
“We have always advocated training for ATV operators, so to help improve driver competency we are offering these courses free of charge with a new ATV,” says Yamaha’s area sales manager Carl Stuart.
Machinery and vehicles account for almost half of all work-related farm fatalities, according to the Health and Sagety Executive. To help safeguard workers, it strongly advises that ATV operators complete a training course.
Riding skills
Training will be provided by the European All-Terrain Vehicle Safety Institute (EASI). It says a basic safety course to learn riding skills and use the correct equipment can help prevent the risk of accidents.
“ATVs, when used properly, can save time and money,” says Amy Morris, EASI UK regional operations manager.
“With the ever-increasing popularity of ATV’s, many operators have little or no experience. ATVs handle very differently to cars and motorcycles, so it’s vital that all users should learn how to safely operate an ATV by taking an operator course.”
Training courses highlight general machine checks, upkeep, weight distribution and active riding, which is imperative when operating on uneven, rutted terrain which is so often found on farms.
The training can be completed in one day and there are 38 centres throughout the UK to do so. EASI advises that all riders, including those with years of experience, make the most of this offer, adds Ms Morris.
“Even experienced riders can find themselves in potentially hazardous situations that can, without the correct training and knowledge, result in serious accidents. We welcome this move by Yamaha and hope that its customers will take advantage of this offer.”
