Can-Am DS 250 Operator's Manual page 48

RIDING THE VEHICLE
It is also wise to know the terrain condition on the other side of the hill or bank. All
too often there exists a sharp drop-off that is impossible to negotiate or descend.
Downhill Driving
This vehicle can climb slopes that are steeper than it can safely descend. There-
fore, it is essential to assure that a safe route exists to descend a slope before you
climb it.
Decelerating while negotiating a slippery downhill slope could "toboggan" the ve-
hicle. Maintain steady speed and/or accelerate slightly to regain control.
Side Hilling
Whenever possible, such operation should be avoided. If necessary, do so with
extreme caution. Side hilling on steep inclines could result in rollover. In addition,
slippery or loose surfaces could result in uncontrollable side sliding. Do not at-
tempt to turn the vehicle downhill with the slide. Avoid all objects or depressions
that will intensify the raising of one side of the vehicle higher than the other, thus
causing rollover.
Drop-Offs
This vehicle will "bottom-out" and usually stop if either the front or rear wheels are
driven over a drop-off. If the drop is sharp or deep, the vehicle will nose dive and
tip-over.
WARNING
Avoid negotiating drop-offs. Reverse and select an alternate route.
Riding on Snow Covered Surfaces
When performing the pre-ride inspection, pay special attention to locations on
the vehicle where snow and/or ice accumulations may obstruct visibility of the
tail lamp, clog ventilation openings, block the radiator and fan, and interfere with
the movement of the control levers, switches and brake pedal. Before starting
with your ATV check the steering, throttle and brake lever and pedal controls for
interference free operation.
Whenever an ATV is ridden on a snow covered drive path the tire grip is generally
reduced causing the vehicle to react differently to control inputs from the operator.
On low grip surfaces, the steering responses are not as crisp and precise, stopping
distances are lengthened and acceleration becomes sluggish. Slow down and do
not "gun" the throttle. This will only result in spinning of the tires and possibly in an
over steering slide of the vehicle. Avoid hard braking. This will possibly result in a
straight line slide of the vehicle. Again, the best advice is to safely reduce speed in
anticipation of a maneuver so to give yourself time and distance to regain total ve-
hicle control before it spins out of your control.
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46 SAFETY INFORMATION