Polaris 500 EFI Touring Offroad Vehicle User Manual


 
17
SAFETY
Rider Safety
Always follow proper procedures for going downhill and for braking
on hills. Check the terrain carefully before you start down a hill. Shift
your weight uphill. Never go down a hill at high speed. Avoid going
down a hill at an angle, which would cause the vehicle to lean sharply
to one side. Drive straight downhill.
Always follow proper procedures for crossing the side of a hill. Do
not cross a hillside with a passenger on board. Avoid hills with exces-
sively slippery or loose surfaces. Shift your weight uphill. Never
attempt to turn the ATV around on any hill until you've mastered (on
level ground) the turning technique outlined in this manual. Avoid
crossing the side of a steep hill when possible.
Always use proper procedures if you stall or roll backwards while
climbing a hill. To avoid stalling, maintain a steady speed when
climbing a hill. If you stall or roll backwards, follow the special pro-
cedure for braking described in this manual. Always dismount on the
uphill side, or to either side if the ATV is pointed straight uphill. Turn
the ATV around and remount following the procedure described in
this manual.
Always check for obstacles before operating in a new area. Never
attempt to operate over large obstacles, such as rocks or fallen trees.
Always follow proper procedures when operating over obstacles as
described in this manual.
Always be careful of skidding or sliding. On slippery surfaces like
ice, travel slowly and use extra caution to reduce the chance of skid-
ding or sliding out of control.
Avoid operating the ATV through deep or fast-flowing water. If it's
unavoidable, travel slowly, balance your weight carefully, avoid sud-
den movements, and maintain a slow and steady forward motion. Do
not make sudden turns or stops, and do not make sudden throttle
changes.
Wet brakes may have reduced stopping ability. Test the brakes after
leaving water. If necessary, apply them lightly several times to allow
friction to dry out the pads.