Snowmobile Polaris FS IQ Widetrak (2013 year). Manual - part 3

14

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 snowmobile will drown 
out the sound of approaching vehicles. 
Look ahead, behind, and to both sides 
before turning or crossing railroad tracks 
or highways. 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.

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15

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 mountainous 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 the American 
and Canadian online avalanche centers at www.avalanche.org.

16

SAFETY

Operator Safety

Ice and Snow Build-up

WARNING! Ice and snow build-up may interfere with the steering of your 
snowmobile, resulting in serious injury or death. Keep the underhood area free 
of snow and ice.

Before driving, manually turn the skis to the left and right to be sure ice 
and snow are not interfering with full left and right steering. If difficulty 
is encountered, remove ice and snow build-up that may be obstructing 
the steering linkage.

Driving Downhill

When riding downhill, shift your weight to the rear of the snowmobile 
and reduce your speed to a minimum. Apply just enough throttle to keep 
the clutch engaged, allowing the engine’s compression to help slow the 
snowmobile and keep it from rolling freely downhill.

WARNING! When driving on long downhill stretches, pump the brakes. Riding 
the brakes may cause the brake system to overheat, which may result in brake 
failure. Excessive or repetitive use of the brakes for high speed stops will also 
cause an overheated brake system. This condition may lead to a sudden loss of 
brakes and/or fire and may result in serious injury or death.

17

SAFETY

Operator Safety

Driving on Slippery Surfaces

WARNING! Never attempt an abrupt change of direction when operating on 
slippery surfaces. Proceed slowly and use extra caution. Driving on ice or hard-
packed snow reduces steering and braking control, which may result in loss of 
control and serious injury or death. Slow down and use extra caution when 
operating on slippery surfaces.

Driving in Hilly Terrain

WARNING! Climbing a hill or crossing the face of a slope may result in loss of 
balance and snowmobile rollover, causing serious injury or death. Use caution 
and good judgement when driving in hilly terrain.

Use extra caution when operating in hilly terrain. If climbing a hill is 
unavoidable, keep your weight low and forward. If you must cross the 
face of a slope, keep your weight on the uphill side of the snowmobile to 
maintain proper balance and avoid possible rollover.

Slow down when reaching the crest of a hill. Be prepared to react to 
obstacles, sharp drops or other people or vehicles that may be on the 
other side of the hill.

If you’re unable to continue up a hill, turn the snowmobile downhill 
before it loses momentum. If this isn’t possible, spin the track just 
enough to dig in to prevent it from rolling back down the hill. Stop the 
engine and set the parking brake (if equipped). Keeping away from the 
downhill side of the snowmobile, pull the rear of the snowmobile 
around and point the front end and skis downhill. Remount the snowmo-
bile, restart the engine, release the parking brake, and descend the hill 
carefully.