Snowmobile Polaris 340 Transport Trail Touring Deluxe (2008 year). Manual - part 3

12

SAFETY

Excessive Speed

Always observe all laws governing snowmobile operation and speed 

limits. Always be alert and pay attention to the trail ahead. Multiplying 

speed (MPH) by 1.5 will equal the approximate number of feet per sec-

ond your machine travels. If your speed is 40 MPH, your machine is 

traveling about 60 feet per second. If you look back for only two sec-

onds, your machine will travel about 120 feet. If your speed is 60 MPH, 

your machine will travel about 180 feet in two seconds.

Traveling at night requires extra caution. Check headlight and taillight 

to ensure proper operation, and don't over-drive your headlight beam. 

Always be able to bring your machine to a stop in the distance illumi-

nated by the headlight. 

WARNING

High speed driving, especially at night, could result in serious injury or death. 

Always reduce speed when driving at night or in inclement weather.

13

SAFETY

Operator Safety

Driver Awareness

Slow down when traveling near poles, 

posts, or other obstacles. Be especially 

alert if you're snowmobiling after dark. 

Always be on the alert for wire fences. 

Single strands are especially dangerous, 

since there may be a great distance 

between posts. Guy wires on utility poles 

are also difficult to distinguish. 

Make sure the way is clear before crossing 

railroads and other roads and highways. 

The noise of your machine will drown out 

the sound of approaching vehicles. Look 

ahead, behind, and to both sides before 

turning or crossing railroad tracks or high-

ways. Steep embankments may also hide 

your view. Always leave yourself a way 

out.

Variances in snow depth and/or water currents may result in uneven ice 

thickness. You may drown if you break through the ice. Avoid travelling 

on frozen bodies of water.

When teaching inexperienced operators to ride, set up a predetermined 

course for practice. Make sure they know how to drive and control the 

snowmobile before allowing them to make longer trips. Teach them 

proper snowmobile courtesy, and enroll them in driver's training and 

safety courses.

R

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14

SAFETY

Operator Safety

Avalanches

Snowmobilers should always be properly 

trained and equipped before traveling in 

mountainous terrain:
• Take an avalanche class
• Travel with experienced people
• Travel on designated trails
• Make sure each person is equipped 

with a shovel, probe and avalanche 

beacon.

You don't have to be snowmobiling on a slope for an avalanche to occur. 

Be aware that all of the snow is connected. You may be riding on a flat 

slope or snow covered road, but if the snowpack above is unstable 

enough you can trigger an avalanche on a steeper slope above you. 

Always be aware of snow conditions above you as you travel in moun-

tainous terrain.

Before riding in mountainous terrain, call or log on to your local ava-

lanche advisory to get current weather and snow stability information. 

For more information about avalanche training and avalanche condi-

tions, contact local law enforcement in your area, or visit the American 

and Canadian online avalanche centers at www.avalanche.org.

15

SAFETY

Operator Safety

Ice and Snow Build-up

Before driving, manually turn the skis to the left and right to be sure ice 

and snow are not interfering with full left and right steering. If difficulty 

is encountered, remove ice and snow build-up that may be obstructing 

the steering linkage.

Driving on Slippery Surfaces

WARNING

Ice and snow build-up may interfere with the steering of your machine, result-

ing in serious injury or death. Keep the underhood area free of snow and ice.

WARNING

Driving on ice or hard-packed snow reduces steering and braking control, 

which may result in loss of control and serious injury or death. Never attempt 

an abrupt change of direction when operating on slippery surfaces. Slow 

down and use extra caution when operating on slippery surfaces.