Safe Driving Practices

Content Source: 2019 Slingshot Owner’s Manual (9928978 REV 05) > Safety Chapter

IMPORTANT

The Owner's Manual for this vehicle contains warnings, instructions and other information you must read and fully understand before safely riding or performing maintenance on this vehicle.Always follow the warnings and instructions in Owner's Manual.

Click the CONTENTS link above for the Table Of Contents, or download a full PDF of the Owner Manual in the Owner Support area of Polaris.com

Safe Driving Practices

Operating a SLINGSHOT vehicle has inherent risks.

You can minimize those risks, but you can’t eliminate them completely. Even if you’re an experienced 3-wheel vehicle operator or passenger, read all of the safety information in this manual before operating this SLINGSHOT vehicle.

Take a 3-wheel vehicle rider course from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation or another qualified instructor. The course will help you learn effective turning and braking techniques, traffic strategies and evasive maneuvers, in addition to general safe riding habits. To locate a rider course in your area, contact the Motorcycle Safety Foundation at 1-800-446-9227 or visit their web page at www.msf-usa.org. You may also contact your dealer or the motorcycle regulatory agency in your area of operation.
Observe all maintenance requirements specified in this manual. See the SLINGSHOT Service Manual for assistance. Your authorized SLINGSHOT dealer can also provide assistance.

Design characteristics affect how you should operate the SLINGSHOT vehicle:

The SLINGSHOT is a lightweight 3-wheel vehicle. As such, it will respond differently than other on-road vehicles in various road and weather conditions. Thoroughly read your owner’s manual and take safety training before operating the SLINGSHOT.
The SLINGSHOT vehicle is designed for on-road use by one operator with one passenger. The Manufacturing Information label placed on the vehicle contains the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) information. Never exceed the GVWR or the GAWR.
Driving off-road, driving at excessive speeds, driving with more than one passenger or carrying weight exceeding the maximum weight rating can make handling difficult, which could cause loss of control resulting in injury or death.
Since the SLINGSHOT has a single, centered rear wheel, “straddling” obstacles with the front tires increases the likelihood that you will encounter the obstacles with the rear tire.
Read the section in this manual entitled SLINGSHOT Vehicles vs. Other On-Road Vehicles on SLINGSHOT Vehicles vs. Other On-Road Vehicles.
During the first 500 miles (800 km) of operation, follow all break-in procedures as outlined in the owner’s manual. Failure to do so can result in serious engine damage.

Wear protective apparel to decrease the risk of injury and increase riding comfort.

Always wear a full-face helmet that meets or exceeds established safety standards. Approved helmets in the USA and Canada bear a U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) label. Laws in some areas require that riders wear an approved helmet. Head injuries are the leading cause of fatalities in accidents involving vehicles such as the SLINGSHOT vehicle. Statistics prove that an approved helmet is the most effective protection in preventing or reducing head injuries.
Wear eye protection to protect eyes from wind or airborne particles and objects. Laws in some areas require that you wear eye protection. POLARIS recommends that you wear approved Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) bearing markings such as VESC 8, V-8, Z87.1, or CE. Make sure protective eyewear is kept clean.
Be prepared for changing weather conditions and dress accordingly.

Follow these general safe driving practices:

Always inspect the vehicle before each use to make sure it’s in safe operating condition. Failure to do so may result in vehicle damage or an accident.
Until you’re thoroughly familiar with the SLINGSHOT and all of its controls, practice driving where there is little or no traffic. Practice driving at a moderate speed on various road surfaces and in different weather conditions. Practice braking in a safe area to become familiar with the feel of the SLINGSHOT brakes before driving in traffic.
Know your skills and limits, and ride within them.
Allow only licensed, experienced operators to operate your SLINGSHOT, and then only after they have become familiar with its controls and operation. Make sure all riders read and understand this owner’s manual before riding.
Do not ride when you’re fatigued or under the influence of alcohol, prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs or any other drugs. Fatigue, alcohol and drugs can cause drowsiness, loss of coordination and loss of balance. They can also affect your awareness and judgment.
If your vehicle operates abnormally, cease operation and correct the problem immediately. Refer to the SLINGSHOT Service Manual, or an authorized SLINGSHOT dealer can assist.
Ride defensively, as if you are invisible to other motorists, even in broad daylight. Smaller profile vehicles, such as 2-wheel motorcycles and 3-wheel vehicles such as the SLINGSHOT vehicle may not be immediately seen and recognized by some motorists, which can lead to accidents. Ride where you’re clearly visible to other motorists, and observe their behavior carefully. Always be prepared to take evasive action.
Be especially cautious at intersections, where accidents often occur.
To prevent loss of control, keep both hands on the steering wheel unless you’re shifting gears.
Obey the speed limit and adjust your speed and driving technique based on road, weather and traffic conditions. As you travel faster, the influence of all other conditions increases, which can increase the possibility of losing control.
Driving while distracted can result in loss of vehicle control, accident and injury. Do not use a mobile phone or other handheld device while operating the vehicle.
Improper braking may cause loss of control. Apply the brakes gradually when the road is wet, rough or slippery. Allow for a greater braking distance in these conditions. If possible, avoid applying the brakes while making a turn.
Reduce speed in wet conditions. Pay particular attention if water is beginning to pool on the road. Three-wheeled vehicles behave differently than other vehicles when driving over deep water. Your SLINGSHOT vehicle may hydroplane, which could result in loss of control, if operating speed is too high for the depth of water on the road.