Snowmobile Polaris Widetrak LX (2014 year). Manual - part 3

13

SAFETY

Operator Safety

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.

Observe all state and local laws governing snowmobile operation. 
They’ve been established for your protection.

Always be alert and pay attention to the trail ahead. If your speed is 40 
MPH (16 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 
illuminated 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. Always check with local residents or authorities for general 
information on conditions when traveling on lakes and streams that are 
strange to you. Before riding your snowmobile on a frozen body of 
water, be sure the ice is thick enough to support the snowmobile and its 
operator, as well as the force created by a moving vehicle. You may 
drown if you and the snowmobile break through the ice.

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 sponsored by local or state organizations.

R

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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 
mountainous terrain.

Before riding in mountainous terrain, call or log on to your local 
avalanche advisory to get current weather and snow stability 
information.

For more information about avalanche training and avalanche 
conditions, 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, check for ice and snow build-up that may be obstructing 
the steering linkage. Snow screens and bib kits are available through 
your dealer to help reduce snow and ice build-up.

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.