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Snowmobile Polaris 550 Transport Trail Touring. Manual - part 3

SAFETY

Operator Safety

Riding Position

Operating a snowmobile requires skill and balance for proper control.

Rider positions may vary with experience and the features available on

some snowmobiles, but under many conditions, the proper position is to

be seated with both feet on the running boards and both hands on the

handlebar grips for proper throttle, brake and steering control.

NOTE: Use of a backrest may hinder your weight shifting ability. This

could affect your ability to control this rider-active vehicle in cer-

tain extreme driving situations.

Survival Preparation

For your safety, always ride in a group of other snowmobilers. Always

tell someone where you're going and how long you expect to be gone. If

it isn't possible to ride with others, and you must travel into remote

areas, always carry survival equipment that's appropriate to the condi-

tions you may encounter. Such equipment may include, but is not lim-

ited to: extra clothing, a sleeping bag, a flashlight, food and water, a

signaling mirror, a means of building a fire, and a two-way radio or cel-

lular telephone.

For added protection, carry the following items on your snowmobile at

all times:

WARNING

Improper riding position may reduce control and could result in serious injury

or death. Always ride in a position that allows for control of your vehicle.

• Spare Drive Belt

• Winter Survival Kit

• Extra Set of Spark Plugs

• Trail Map

• Tow Rope

• Owner's Manual

• Extra Oil

• First Aid Kit

• Fuel Deicer

SAFETY

Operator Safety

Disabled Operators

Safe operation of this rider-active vehicle requires good judgement and

physical skills. Operators with cognitive or physical disabilities have an

increased risk of loss of control, which could result in serious injury or

death.

Cargo Overload

Too much weight on the rear of the machine may reduce your ability to

steer. Do not exceed carrier and rack weight limits, and do not allow a

passenger to sit on the seat back or the cargo carrier.

Rider Capacity

Driving 1-Up - Some Polaris snowmobiles are designed for a single

rider only. A decal on the console of these models indicates single rider

operation.

Driving 2-Up - Some Polaris snowmobiles are designed for up to two

riders. A decal on the hood of these models indicates that the vehicle is

designed for one operator and one passenger only. See page 23 for decal

location.

Machines designed for two riders should never be operated with more

than two people on board. When traveling with a passenger, it's the

driver's responsibility to operate the machine safely.

Slow down! Control becomes more difficult with two people on board.

More space is required to make turns, and longer distances are necessary

for stopping.

WARNING

Control becomes more difficult with two people on board. More space is

required to make turns, and longer distances are needed for stopping. Make

sure the passenger remains seated behind the driver, facing forward, with

both feet placed firmly on the running boards. Slow down and avoid “jump-

ing" your snowmobile.

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.

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.

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