Ice

Ice presents many of the same handling problems as riding on pavement. Also, spins are common and fast stops are impossible. Be extremely cautious.

• Maintain a slow, steady speed. Don’t speed up or apply the brakes abruptly.
• To stop, release the throttle and coast to a stop.
• Do not ride on frozen rivers and lakes if you can avoid it, but if you must:
• Watch for rivulets flowing on the ice or streams flowing under it. Even when the surface looks solid, a current under the ice causes erosion from below. Ice over a flowing river is at least 15% weaker than ice over a lake.
• If you’re in a group, avoid crossing in single file. If the group leader falls through, riders in single file may not be able to stop or maneuver the ORV quickly enough to keep from following the leader through the ice.