Excessive Speed; Driving On Slippery Surfaces - Polaris 550 Indy 144 Owner's Manual

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.
Always observe all state and local laws governing snowmobile
operation 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.

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.
Maneuverability
While much control and maneuverability is achieved through the
steering system and skis, maximum control is achieved by the shifting
of your body weight. Maneuverability will change for lighter operators
or snowmobiles designed to carry a load or a passenger.
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