Arctic Cat 650 H1 2010 Operator's Manual page 27

Sound Judgment
Weather
You need to consider the weather. It is
dangerous to ride your ATV when the
weather is bad or potentially bad. Keep
abreast with weather forecasts.
Terrain
Always pay close attention to the ter-
rain you're on, even if it is familiar to
you. You can't assume that the land-
scape you're used to doesn't change.
Changes to landscape can happen at
nearly any time. Fences can be con-
structed and excavations dug in a short
period of time. Weather, climate, and
development take their toll.
The thing about terrain is that some-
times you don't know it's changed until
you get there. Whether it's familiar or
not, check out your surroundings
before and during your ride.
Night Riding
Riding at night can be very hazardous.
Obstacles and other hazards (that are
easily identified during daytime) are
much more difficult to see and avoid.
When night riding, make sure the lights
are properly adjusted and in good
working order. Reduce speed; do not
over-drive the headlights. Never travel
in an unfamiliar area or blaze a new
trail at night. Always carry a flashlight
or flare for signaling an emergency.
Paved Surfaces
Don't do it! The ATV isn't designed
for pavement. Its handling becomes
more difficult on paved surfaces.
Trail Riding
Use sound judgment when trail riding;
that means riding on a trail that fits
your ability level. If the trail is pretty
rugged, standing up on your footrests
will make it easier for you to endure
the rough terrain.
! WARNING
Make yourself visible by using head-
lights and taillights, and pull com-
pletely off the trail if you need to stop.
Outsloped trails (trails that slant to
allow rain to run off) make trail riding
a bit more challenging. Accepting that
challenge means keeping your weight
shifted into the slope. Denying the
challenge means sliding off the trail.
It also helps to know which trails you
can ride and who else might be on
those same trails. These are signs cur-
rently used in some areas to designate
trail types and restrictions.
Trail Signs
Indicates a potential hazard that could
result in a serious injury or death.
ATV-0068A
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