Driver Awareness - Polaris 550 Indy Owner's Manual

SAFETY
Operator Safety

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,
R R
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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