Snowmobile Polaris 550 IQ Shift / 550 IQ 136 / 550 IQ LXT (2013 year). Manual - part 2

10

SAFETY

Operator Safety

Survival Preparation

For your safety, always ride in a group of other snowmobilers. Always 
tell someone where you're going and how long you expect to be gone. If 
it isn't possible to ride with others, and you must travel into remote 
areas, always carry survival equipment that's appropriate to the condi-
tions you may encounter. Such equipment may include, but is not lim-
ited to: extra clothing, a sleeping bag, a flashlight, food and water, a 
signaling mirror, a means of building a fire, and a two-way radio or cel-
lular telephone.

For added protection, carry the following items on your snowmobile at 
all times:

Disabled Operators

Safe operation of this rider-active vehicle requires good judgement and 
physical skills. Operators with cognitive or physical disabilities have an 
increased risk of loss of control, which could result in serious injury or 
death.

Cargo Overload

Too much weight on the rear of the machine may reduce your ability to 
steer. If equipped, do not exceed carrier and rack weight limits, and do 
not allow a passenger to sit on the cargo carrier.

• Spare Drive Belt

• Winter Survival Kit

• Extra Set of Spark Plugs

• Trail Map

• Tow Rope

• Owner's Manual

• Extra Oil

• First Aid Kit

• Fuel Deicer

• Tool Kit

11

SAFETY

Operator Safety

Rider Capacity

Driving 1-Up - Some POLARIS snowmobiles are designed for a single 
rider only. A decal on the console of these models indicates single rider 
operation. Never carry a passenger on a single-rider snowmobile.

Driving 2-Up - Some POLARIS snowmobiles are designed for up to 
two riders. A decal on the console of these models indicates that the 
vehicle is designed for one operator and one passenger only.

WARNING! Control becomes more difficult with two people on board. More 
space is required to make turns, and longer distances are needed for stopping. 
Make sure the passenger remains seated behind the driver, facing forward, with 
both feet placed firmly on the running boards. Slow down and avoid “jumping” 
your snowmobile.

Snowmobiles designed for two riders should never be operated with 
more than two people on board. When traveling with a passenger, it’s 
the driver’s responsibility to operate the snowmobile safely. 

Slow down! Control becomes more difficult with two people on board. 
More space is required to make turns, and longer distances are necessary 
for stopping.

Excessive Speed

WARNING! High speed driving, especially at night, could result in serious injury 
or death. Always reduce speed when driving at night or in inclement weather.

Always observe all state and local laws governing snowmobile opera-
tion and speed limits. Always be alert and pay attention to the trail 
ahead. If your speed is 40 MPH (64 km/h), your snowmobile is traveling 
about 60 feet (18 m) per second. If you look back for only two seconds, 
your snowmobile will travel about 120 feet (36 m). If your speed is 60 
MPH (96 km/h), your snowmobile will travel about 180 feet (55 m) in 
two seconds.

Traveling at night requires extra caution. Check headlight and taillight 
to ensure proper operation, and don't over-drive your headlight beam. 
Always be able to bring your machine to a stop in the distance illumi-
nated by the headlight. 

12

SAFETY

Operator Safety

Driver Awareness

Slow down when traveling near poles, 
posts, or other obstacles. Be especially 
alert if you're snowmobiling after dark. 
Always be on the alert for wire fences. 
Single strands are especially dangerous, 
since there may be a great distance 
between posts. Guy wires on utility poles 
are also difficult to distinguish.

Make sure the way is clear before crossing 
railroads and other roads and highways.  
The noise of your machine will drown out 
the sound of approaching vehicles.  Look 
ahead, behind, and to both sides before 
turning or crossing railroad tracks or high-
ways.  Steep embankments may also hide 
your view.  Always leave yourself a way 
out.

Variances in snow depth and/or water currents may result in uneven ice 
thickness. Always check with local residents or authorities for general 
information on conditions when traveling on lakes and streams that are 
strange to you. Before riding your snowmobile on a frozen body of 
water, be sure the ice is thick enough to support the snowmobile and its 
operator, as well as the force created by a moving vehicle. You may 
drown if you and the snowmobile break through the ice.

When teaching inexperienced operators to ride, set up a predetermined 
course for practice. Make sure they know how to drive and control the 
snowmobile before allowing them to make longer trips. Teach them 
proper snowmobile courtesy, and enroll them in driver's training and 
safety courses sponsored by local or state organizations.

R

R

13

SAFETY

Operator Safety

Avalanches

Snowmobilers should always be properly 
trained and equipped before traveling in 
mountainous terrain:
• Take an avalanche class
• Travel with experienced people
• Travel on designated trails
• Make sure each person is equipped 

with a shovel, probe and avalanche 
beacon.

You don't have to be snowmobiling on a slope for an avalanche to occur. 
Be aware that all of the snow is connected. You may be riding on a flat 
slope or snow covered road, but if the snowpack above is unstable 
enough you can trigger an avalanche on a steeper slope above you. 
Always be aware of snow conditions above you as you travel in moun-
tainous terrain.

Before riding in mountainous terrain, call or log on to your local ava-
lanche advisory to get current weather and snow stability information. 

For more information about avalanche training and avalanche condi-
tions, contact local law enforcement in your area, or visit either the 
American Avalanche Association online at www.americanavalancheas-
sociation.org or the U.S. Forest Service National Avalanche Center at 
www.avalanche.org.