34 SAFETY INFORMATION
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On a maintained trail, sitting is the most preferred riding position. Do
not race and, above all, keep to the right hand side of the trail. Be pre-
pared for the unexpected. Observe all trail signs. Do not zigzag from
one side of the trail to the other.
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Unless there has been a fresh snowfall you can expect “washboard”
and snowdrift conditions. Taken at excessive speeds, such conditions
can be physically harmful. Slow down. Hold on the handlebar and as-
sume a posting position. Feet should be under the body assuming a
crouched position to absorb any jarring effect. On longer stretches of
“washboard” trails, the kneeling position of one knee on the seat can
be adopted. This provides a certain amount of comfort, while at the
same time keeps the body loose and capable of vehicle control. Be-
ware of hidden rocks or tree stumps partially hidden by a recent
snowfall.
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In deep “powder” snow, your vehicle could begin to “bog” down. If this
occurs, turn in as wide an arc as possible and look for a firmer base. If
you do get “bogged”, and it happens to everyone, do not spin your
track as this makes the vehicle sink deeper. Instead, turn the engine
off, get off and move the back of the vehicle onto new snow. Then
tramp a clear path ahead of the vehicle. A few feet will generally suf-
fice. Restart the engine. Assume the standing position and rock the
vehicle gently as you steadily and slowly apply the throttle. Depending
on whether the front or rear end of the vehicle is sinking, your feet
should be placed on the opposing end of the running boards. Never
place foreign material beneath the track for support. Do not allow any-
one to stand in front of, or to the rear of, the snowmobile with the en-
gine running. Stay away from the track. Personal injury will result if
contact is made with the revolving track.
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Traveling frozen lakes and rivers can be fatal. Avoid waterways. If you
are in an unfamiliar area, ask the local authorities or residents about
the ice condition, inlets, outlets, springs, fast moving currents or other
hazards. Never attempt to operate your snowmobile on ice that may
be too weak to support you and the vehicle. Operating a snowmobile
on ice or icy surfaces can be very dangerous if you do not observe cer-
tain precautions. The very nature of ice is foreign to good control of a
snowmobile or any vehicle. Traction for starting, turning or stopping is
much less than that on snow. Thus, these distances can be multiplied
manyfold. Steering is minimal, and uncontrolled spins are an ever
RIDE SAFELY
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