What should you do before starting an ATV according to safety practices?

Inspecting the machine before starting an ATV is crucial for ensuring safety and operational effectiveness. This practice involves checking vital components such as the brakes, lights, tires, and fuel levels. A thorough inspection can help identify any mechanical issues that could lead to accidents or malfunctions once the vehicle is in use. By ensuring that the ATV is in good condition, you reduce the risk of breakdowns that could potentially occur while riding, which can be dangerous.

While other actions, such as checking for obstacles and ensuring everyone is seated, are indeed important safety measures, they come after the initial confirmation that the ATV itself is safe to operate. Testing the brakes is also a critical part of inspection, but it is a specific action within the broader scope of inspecting the entire machine. Therefore, the act of performing a comprehensive inspection stands out as a foundational safety practice that must be addressed before starting the vehicle.