PURPOSE OF ORDER:
The purpose of this order is to establish procedures for operating and maintaining safety while using the all-terrain vehicles (ATV) assigned to Altadena Station.
SCOPE OF ORDER:
This order applies to all Altadena Station Mountain Rescue Team personnel.
ORDER:
ATV's are off-road vehicles designed for one ( 1) person. These vehicles have the capacity to easily traverse muddy roads, soft sand, and rocky terrain, which is useful during times of critical need and/or when time is of the essence.
Prior to operating an ATV, personnel SHALL successfully complete the "off road vehicle course" taught by certified Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department (LASD) personnel.
All safety rules and regulations shall be followed. Safety equipment, helmets SHALL be worn while the vehicle is mobile. While operating an ATV on public roadways, a "DOT" approved helmet must be worn (Per vehicle code section 38601: A person shall not operate, or allow a passenger in, a recreational off-highway vehicle on public lands unless the person and the passenger are wearing safety helmets meeting the requirements established for motorcycles and motorized bicycles pursuant to Section 27802). A yellow traffic vest must be worn while operating an ATV on an open public roadway. If the ATV's are used during closed street events (i.e. Christmas tree lane lighting), no yellow traffic vest is required.
The ATV is equipped with emergency lights that MAY be used on trails to alert hikers, and mountain bikers. The emergency lights and siren SHALL never be activated while operating on a public roadway in a manner which could be considered Code 3. Flashing lights MAY be activated to improve safety and driver visibility while operating on a public roadway.
The ATV's MAY respond to local trailheads within a 4-mile radius from the Altadena Station. If a trailhead is out of the 4-mile radius the vehicle SHALL be placed on a trailer to be transported. When operating on public roadways, the ATV SHALL be escorted by a marked LASO patrol vehicle or a street legal search rescue vehicle that is equipped with emergency lighting equipment.
Those that have been rescued by the Altadena Mountain Rescue Team SHOULD not be transported on an ATV.