Polaris 550 Indy Sport 2024 Owner's Manual page 17

SAFETY
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.
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.
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.
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