Snowmobile Polaris FS IQ Widetrak (2013 year). Manual - part 2

10

SAFETY

Operator Safety

Riding Position

Operating a snowmobile requires skill and balance for proper control. 
Rider positions may vary with experience; but under many conditions, 
the proper position is to be seated with both feet on the running boards 
and both hands on the handlebar grips for proper throttle, brake and 
steering control.

WARNING! Improper riding position may reduce control and could result in 
serious injury or death. Always ride in a position that allows for control of your 
vehicle.

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.

Always carry the owner’s manual on your snowmobile. For added pro-
tection, purchase and carry the following items on your snowmobile as 
well:

• Spare Drive Belt

• Winter Survival Kit

• Extra Set of Spark Plugs

• Trail Map

• Tow  Rope

• First  Aid  Kit

• Extra Oil

• Tool Kit

• Fuel Deicer

11

SAFETY

Operator Safety

Riding Apparel

Helmet

Wearing a helmet can prevent a severe head injury. Whenever riding a 
POLARIS vehicle, always wear a helmet that meets or exceeds estab-
lished safety standards.

Approved helmets in the USA and Canada bear a U.S. Department of 
Transportation (DOT) label.

Approved helmets in Europe, Asia and Oceania 
bear the ECE 22.05 label. The ECE mark consists 
of a circle surrounding the letter E, followed by the 
distinguishing number of the country which has 
granted approval. The approval number and serial 
number will also be displayed on the label.

Eye Protection

Do not depend on eyeglasses or sunglasses for eye protection. When-
ever riding a POLARIS vehicle, always wear shatterproof goggles or 
use a shatterproof helmet face shield. POLARIS recommends wearing 
approved Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) bearing markings such 
as VESC 8, V-8, Z87.1, or CE. Make sure protective eye wear is kept 
clean.

Clothing

Be prepared, be warm and be com-
fortable when riding. Be aware of 
the weather forecast, especially the 
windchill, and dress accordingly. 
See the chart on page 21. 

WARNING! Avoid wearing loose 
clothing or long scarves, which can 
become entangled in moving parts and 
cause serious injury. Always wear an 
approved helmet and eye protection.

E

4

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12

SAFETY

Operator Safety

Rider Capacity

Your snowmobile is designed for up to two riders. A decal on the 
console indicates that the vehicle is designed for one operator and one 
passenger only.

WARNING! Operating improperly with a passenger could cause loss of control 
and result in serious injury or death. 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” the snowmobile.

Snowmobiles designed for two riders should never be operated with 
more than two people on board. Slow down! Control becomes more dif-
ficult with two people on board. More space is required to make turns, 
and longer distances are necessary for stopping.

Cargo Capacity

See page 31 for cargo loading information.

WARNING! Overloading the cargo carrier can cause loss of control resulting in 
severe injury or death. The maximum cargo carrier capacity is 75 lbs. (34 kg). 
Never exceed the cargo carrier capacity.

Disabled Operators

Safe operation of this rider-active vehicle requires good judgement and 
physical skills.

WARNING! Operators with cognitive or physical disabilities have an increased 
risk of loss of control, which could result in serious injury or death. Do not allow 
disabled persons to operate this vehicle.

13

SAFETY

Operator Safety

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 snowmobile to a stop in the distance illu-
minated by the headlight.