Snowmobile Polaris 800 RMK / 800 Pro-RMK / 800 RMK (2010 year). Manual - part 3

13

SAFETY

Operator Safety

Rider Capacity

This snowmobile is designed for a single rider only. Never carry a pas-
senger on this snowmobile.

Excessive Speed

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.

Always observe all state and local laws governing snowmobile opera-
tion and speed limits. Always be alert and pay attention to the trail 
ahead. If your speed is 40 MPH (64 km/h), your snowmobile is traveling 
about 60 feet (18 m) per second. If you look back for only two seconds, 
your snowmobile will travel about 120 feet (36 m). If your speed is 60 
MPH (96 km/h), your snowmobile will travel about 180 feet (55 m) 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 snowmobile to a stop in the distance illu-
minated by the headlight. 

14

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 snowmobile will drown 
out the sound of approaching vehicles. 
Look ahead, behind, and to both sides 
before turning or crossing railroad tracks 
or highways. 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. Never travel on 
frozen bodies of water unless you have first verified that the ice is suffi-
ciently thick to support the weight and moving force of the snowmobile, 
you and your cargo, together with any other vehicles in your party. 
Always check with local authorities and residents to confirm ice condi-
tions and thickness over your entire route. Snowmobile operators 
assume all risk associated with ice conditions 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

R

15

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.

16

SAFETY

Operator Safety

Ice and Snow Build-up

WARNING! Ice and snow build-up may interfere with the steering of your 
snowmobile, resulting in serious injury or death. Keep the underhood area free 
of snow and ice.

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! Never attempt an abrupt change of direction when operating on 
slippery surfaces. Proceed slowly and use extra caution. Driving on ice or hard-
packed snow reduces steering and braking control, which may result in loss of 
control and serious injury or death. Slow down and use extra caution when 
operating on slippery surfaces.

Inadequate Snow Conditions

Since snow provides the only lubrication for the power slide suspension 
and, on liquid cooled models, cooling for the engine, adequate snow 
cover is a requirement for operation of your snowmobile. 

NOTICE: Driving in too little snow will result in excessive wear and damage to 

the slide rail, track and/or engine.

WARNING! Inadequate cooling and lubrication will lead to overheating of the 
slide rail and track, causing premature wear, damage and failure, which can 
result in serious injury. Reduce speeds and frequently drive into fresh snow to 
allow adequate cooling and polishing of the slide rail and track surfaces. Avoid 
operating for prolonged periods on ice, hard-packed surfaces or roads.

Operating in Deep Snow

If the snowmobile becomes stuck in snow, clear the running board area 
of snow, then step down the snow in front of the snowmobile so that 
when the throttle is opened, the snowmobile will be able to climb up and 
over the snow.