Sound Judgment; Environment; Those Around You; Equipment - Arctic Cat 350 Manual

Sound Judgment

Overview
You are not invincible. Knowing that the
first "S" in "P.A.S.S." stands for "Sound
Judgment" means you need to use yours.

Environment

The environment you operate an ATV in
is often harsh and sometimes dangerous
if you don't take proper precautions.
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 terrain
you're on, even if it is familiar to you. You
can't assume that the landscape you're
used to doesn't change. Changes to land-
scape can happen at nearly any time.
Fences can be constructed and excavations
dug in a short period of time. Weather, cli-
mate, and development take their toll.
The thing about terrain is that sometimes
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.
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.
Make yourself visible by using head-
lights and taillights, and pull completely
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 chal-
lenge 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 currently used in
some areas to designate trail types and
restrictions.
! WARNING

Those Around You

People do all kinds of things that you
can't predict or control.
Riding Companions
Leave a lot of space between you and
other riders, especially in dusty and dirty
conditions, because it'll be difficult to see
the riders in front of you stopping.
Other Vehicles
Depending on where you're riding, you
might encounter other ATV's, bikes, or
motor vehicles. Respect the presence of
cars and make yourself be seen. If you
can't see other vehicles coming, that
means you're invisible, too.
Hikers
With the renewed interest in hiking,
camping, and other outdoor activities,
people can show up in remote areas
where you would never expect them. For
their sake, keep your eyes open.
Animals and Nature
Respect the outdoors that you love. Don't
use your ATV to chase animals or birds.
Drive around young trees rather than
over them. Keep clear of streams and
ditches with standing water.

Equipment

The last thing you expected was that your
ATV would break down in the middle of
the field... it's usually so reliable that
sometimes you forget the ATV has its
limits.
ATV Maintenance
You have to maintain your ATV. The
General Maintenance section of this
Operator's Manual tells you about taking
care of your ATV. If, at any time, abnor-
mal noises, vibrations, or improper func-
tioning of any component of this ATV is
detected, DO NOT OPERATE THE
ATV. Take the ATV to an authorized Arc-
tic Cat ATV dealer for inspection and
adjustment or repair.
Indicates a potential hazard that could
result in a serious injury or death.
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