Division I - Safety - Arctic Cat 500 Operato's Manual

DIVISION I - SAFETY

AN ATV IS NOT A TOY AND CAN BE
HAZARDOUS TO OPERATE.
• Always go slowly and be extra careful when operating on unfamiliar terrain. Always be
alert to changing terrain conditions when operating the ATV.
• Never operate on excessively rough, slippery, or loose terrain.
• Always follow proper procedures for turning as described in this manual. Practice turning
at slow speeds before attempting to turn at faster speeds. Do not turn at excessive speed.
• Always have the ATV checked by an authorized Arctic Cat ATV dealer if it has been
involved in an accident.
• Never operate the ATV on hills too steep for the ATV or for your abilities. Practice on
smaller hills before attempting larger hills.
• Always follow proper procedures for climbing hills as described in this manual. Check
the terrain carefully before you start up any hill. Never climb hills with slippery or loose
surfaces. Shift your weight forward. Never open the throttle suddenly or make sudden
gear changes. Never go over the top of any hill at high speed.
• Always follow proper procedures for going down hills and for braking on hills as
described in this manual. Check the terrain carefully before you start down any hill.
Shift your weight backward. Never go down a hill at high speed. Avoid going down a
hill at an angle which would cause the ATV to lean sharply to one side. Go straight
down the hill where possible.
• Always follow proper procedures for crossing the side of a hill as described in this man-
ual. Avoid hills with slippery or loose surfaces. Shift your weight to the uphill side of
the ATV. Never attempt to turn the ATV around on any hill until you have mastered the
turning techniques described in this manual on level ground. Avoid crossing the side of
a steep hill if possible.
• Always be careful of skidding or sliding. On slippery surfaces, such as ice, go slowly
and be very cautious in order to reduce the chance of skidding or sliding out of control.
• Always use proper procedures if you stall or roll backward when climbing a hill. To
avoid stalling, maintain a steady speed when climbing a hill. If you stall or roll back-
wards, follow the special procedure for braking described in this manual. Dismount on
the uphill side or to either side if pointed straight uphill. Turn the ATV around and
mount following the procedure described in this manual.
• Always check for obstacles before operating in a new area. Never attempt to operate over
large obstacles, such as large rocks or fallen trees. Always follow proper procedures when
operating over obstacles as described in this manual.
• Never operate an ATV in fast flowing water or in water deeper than the footrests. Remem-
ber that wet brakes may have reduced stopping capability. Test your brakes after leaving
water. If necessary, apply them lightly several times to let friction dry out the pads.
• Always be sure there are no obstacles or people behind you when you operate in reverse.
When it is safe to proceed in reverse, go slowly. Avoid turning at sharp angles in reverse.
• Always use the size and type tires specified in this manual. Always maintain proper tire
pressure as described in this manual.
• Never improperly install or improperly use accessories on this ATV.
• Never install a twist grip throttle on this ATV.
• Never exceed the stated load capacity for an ATV. Cargo should be properly distributed
and securely attached. Reduce speed and follow instructions in this manual for carrying
cargo or pulling a trailer and allow greater distance for braking.
• No one under the age of 16 should operate this ATV. Some operators at the age of 16 may
not be able to operate an ATV safely. Parents should supervise the use of the ATV at all
times. Parents should permit continued use only if they determine that the operator has the
ability to operate the ATV safely.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT ATV SAFETY, call the ATV Safety
Institute at 1-800-887-2887 (U.S.) or 1-613-739-1535 (Canada).
! WARNING
Indicates a potential hazard that could
result in a serious injury or death.
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