Snowmobile Polaris Trail RMK (2010 year). Manual - part 3

13

SAFETY

Operator Safety

Cargo Overload

Too much weight on the rear of the machine may reduce your ability to 

steer. Do not exceed carrier and rack weight limits, and do not allow a 

passenger to sit on the seat back or the cargo carrier.

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.

Excessive Speed

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.

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.

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 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 machine on a frozen body of water, 

be sure the ice is thick enough to support the machine 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 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 the American 

and Canadian online avalanche centers at www.avalanche.org.

16

SAFETY

Operator Safety

Ice and Snow Build-up

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, check for ice and snow build-up that may be obstructing 

the steering linkage. Snow screens and bib kits are available through 

your dealer to help reduce snow and ice build-up.

WARNING! Ice and snow build-up may interfere with the steering of your 

machine, resulting in serious injury or death. Keep the underhood area free of 

snow and ice.

Driving on Slippery Surfaces

WARNING! Driving on ice or hard-packed snow reduces steering and braking 

control, which may result in serious injury or death. Slow down and use caution.

If driving on ice or other slippery surfaces is unavoidable, use extreme 

caution and operate at speeds no faster than a walk. Never attempt an 

abrupt change of direction. The chance of “spin-out” increases under 

these conditions.