Design Limitation; Off-Highway Operation; General Operating And Safety Precautions - Can-Am DS 450 Series Operator's Manual

RIDING THE VEHICLE

Design Limitation

Although the vehicle is exceptionally rugged for its class, it is still a light vehicle by
definition and its operation must be restricted to its proper purpose.
The addition of weight to any part of the vehicle changes its gravitational stability
and modifies its performance.

Off-Highway Operation

The very nature of off-highway operation is dangerous. Any terrain, which has
not been specially prepared to carry vehicles, presents an inherent danger where
angularity, terrain substance and exact steepness are unpredictable. The terrain
itself presents a continual element of danger, which must be knowingly accepted
by anyone venturing over it.
An operator who takes a vehicle off-road should always exercise the utmost care in
selecting the safest path and keeping close watch on the terrain ahead of him. On
no account should the vehicle be operated by anyone who is not completely famil-
iar with the driving instructions applicable to the vehicle, nor should it be operated
on steep or treacherous terrain.

General Operating and Safety Precautions

Care, caution, experience and driving skill are the best precautions against the haz-
ards of vehicle operation.
Whenever there is the slightest doubt that the vehicle can safely negotiate an ob-
stacle or a particular piece of terrain, always choose an alternate route.
In off-road operation, power and traction, not speed, are important. Never drive
faster than visibility and your own ability to select a safe route permit.
Constantly watch the terrain ahead for sudden changes in slopes or obstacles,
such as rocks or stumps, that may cause loss of stability, resulting in tip over or
rollover.
Never operate the vehicle if the controls do not function normally.
When stopped or parked, always apply the parking brake. This is especially impor-
tant when parking on a slope. On very steep inclines or if the vehicle is carrying
cargo, the wheels should be blocked using rocks or bricks. Remember to turn the
fuel valve to the closed position.
Uphill Driving
Due to configuration, this vehicle has excellent climbing ability, so much so that
tip over is possible before traction is lost. For example, its common to encounter
terrain situations where the top of the hill has eroded to a point that the hill peak
rises very sharply. The vehicle can readily negotiate such a condition, however,
in doing so, when the front of the vehicle is driven to a point that the vehicle's
balance changes rearward tip over can occur.
The same situation may apply if an embedded object causes the front of the vehi-
cle to climb more than desired. If such a situation occurs take an alternate route.
Be aware of side hilling dangers when doing so.
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.
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40 SAFETY INFORMATION