Polaris MATRIX INDY VR1 Series Owner's Manual page 17

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 illuminated by the headlight.
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 sufficiently 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 conditions 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.
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