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RIDE SAFELY
F F r r o o z z e e n n W W a a t t e e r r
Traveling frozen lakes and rivers can be fatal. Avoid waterways. If you
are in an unfamiliar area, ask the local authorities or residents about
the ice condition, inlets, outlets, springs, fast moving currents or other
hazards. Never attempt to operate your snowmobile on ice that may
be too weak to support you and the vehicle. Operating a snowmobile
on ice or icy surfaces can be very dangerous if you do not observe cer-
tain precautions. The very nature of ice is foreign to good control of a
snowmobile or any vehicle. Traction for starting, turning or stopping is
much less than that on snow. Thus, these distances can be multiplied
manyfold. Steering is minimal, and uncontrolled spins are an ever
present danger. When operating on ice, drive slowly with caution. Al-
low yourself plenty of room for stopping and turning.
S S l l u u s s h h
Slush should be avoided at all times. Always check for slush before
starting across any lake or river. If dark spots appear in your tracks,
get off the ice immediately. Ice and water can be thrown rearward into
the path of a following snowmobile. Getting a vehicle out of a slush
area is strenuous and in some cases, impossible.
U U p p h h i i l l l l
There are two types of hills you can encounter — the open hill on
which there are few trees, cliffs or other obstacles, and a hill that can
only be climbed directly. On an open hill, the approach is to climb it by
side hilling or slaloming. Approach at an angle. Adopt a standing posi-
tion with both feet on the same running board. Keep your weight on
the uphill side at all times. Maintain a steady, safe speed. Continue as
far as you can in this direction, then switch to an opposite hill angle
and riding position.
A direct climb could present problems. Choose the standing position,
accelerate before you start the climb and then reduce throttle pressure
to prevent track slippage.
In either case, vehicle speed should be as fast as the incline demands.
Always slow down as you reach the crest. If you cannot proceed fur-
ther, don't spin your track. Apply the parking brake, turn the engine off,
free the skis by pulling them out and downhill, place the rear of the
snowmobile uphill, restart the engine, release the parking brake and
ease it out with slow even throttle pressure. Position yourself to avoid
tipping over, then descend.
D D o o w w n n h h i i l l l l
Downhill driving requires that you have full control of your vehicle at all
times. On steeper hills, keep your center of gravity low and both hands
on the handlebar. Maintain slight throttle pressure and allow the ma-
chine to run downhill with the engine operating. If a higher than safe
SAFETY INFORMATION
37
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