Safety Warnings

Content Source: 2020 RS1 Owner’s Manual (9930796 R02) > 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

Safety Warnings

WARNING

Failure to operate this vehicle properly can result in a collision, loss of control, accident or rollover, which may result in serious injury or death. Heed all safety warnings outlined in this section of the owner’s manual and in the safety DVD provided with your vehicle. See the OPERATION section of the owner’s manual for proper operating procedures.

Operating Without Instruction

Operating this vehicle without proper instruction increases the risk of an accident. The operator must understand how to operate the vehicle properly in different situations and on different types of terrain. Take a training course and complete the steps outlined in the New Operator Driving Procedures section.

All operators must read and understand the owner's manual and all warning and instruction labels before operating the vehicle.
Never allow a guest to operate this vehicle until the guest has completed the steps outlined in the New Operator Driving Procedures section.

Operator Restrictions / Age Restrictions

This vehicle is an ADULT VEHICLE ONLY. Operation is prohibited for anyone under 16 years of age or anyone without a valid driver’s license.
All operators and (if applicable) riders must be able to sit with backs against the seat, both feet flat on the floor and both hands on the steering wheel (if driving) or on a passenger hand hold.

Using Alcohol or Drugs

Operating this vehicle after consuming alcohol or drugs could adversely affect operator judgment, reaction time, balance and perception.
Never consume alcohol or drugs before or while operating this vehicle.

Failure to Inspect Before Operating

Failure to inspect and verify that the vehicle is in safe operating condition before operating increases the risk of an accident.

Always perform the Pre-Ride Inspection outlined in this manual before each use of your vehicle to make sure it's in safe operating condition.

Always follow the inspection and maintenance procedures and schedules described in this manual.

Protective Apparel

Riding in this vehicle without wearing an approved helmet and protective eyewear increases the risk of a serious injuries in the event of an accident. Operator and all passengers must always wear a helmet, eye protection, gloves, long-sleeve shirt, long pants and over-the-ankle boots.

Seat Belts

Riding in this vehicle without wearing the seat belt increases the risk of serious injury in the event of rollover, loss of control, other accident or sudden stop. Seat belts may reduce the severity of injury in these circumstances.

All riders must wear seat belts at all times.

Cab Nets

Riding in this vehicle without using the cab nets (or doors, if equipped) increases the risk of serious injury or death in the event of an accident or rollover. Always use the cab nets (or doors) while riding in this vehicle. Always keep hands and feet inside the vehicle at all times.

Carrying a Passenger

This POLARIS vehicle is a single-rider vehicle. Carrying a passenger greatly reduces the operator's ability to control the vehicle, which may result in an accident or rollover. Carrying a passenger in the cargo box could result in a fall from the vehicle or contact with moving components. Never carry a passenger on this vehicle.

Operating With a Load on the Vehicle

The weight of both cargo and operator impacts vehicle operation and stability. For your safety and the safety of others, carefully consider how your vehicle is loaded and how to safely operate the vehicle. Follow the instructions in this manual for loading, tire pressure, gear selection and speed.

Do not exceed vehicle weight capacities. The vehicle’s maximum weight capacity is listed in the specifications section of this manual and on a label on the vehicle. When determining the weight you are adding to the vehicle, include the weight of the operator, accessories, loads in the rack or box and the load on the trailer tongue. The combined weight of these items must not exceed the maximum weight capacity.
The recommended tire pressures are listed in the specifications section of this manual and on a label on the vehicle.

Always follow these guidelines:

Under ANY of these conditions:	Do ALL of these steps:
Operator and/or cargo exceeds half the maximum weight capacity	Slow down. Verify tire pressure. Use extra caution when operating.
Operating in rough terrain
Operating over obstacles
Climbing an incline
Towing

Improper Tire Maintenance

Operating this vehicle with improper tires or with improper or uneven tire pressure could cause loss of control, accident or rollover.

Always use the size and type of tires specified for your vehicle. Always maintain proper tire pressure as described in this owner's manual and on safety labels.

Operating on Pavement

This vehicle's tires are designed for off-road use, not for use on pavement. Operating this vehicle on paved surfaces (including sidewalks, paths, parking lots and driveways) may adversely affect the handling of the vehicle and may increase the risk of loss of control and accident or rollover. Avoid operating the vehicle on pavement. If it's unavoidable, travel slowly, travel short distances and avoid sudden turns or stops.

Operating on Public Roads

Operating this vehicle on public streets, roads or highways could result in a collision with another vehicle. Never operate this vehicle on any public street, road or highway, including dirt and gravel roads (unless designated for off-highway use).

Operating at Excessive Speeds

Operating this vehicle at excessive speeds increases the operator's risk of losing control. Always operate at a speed that's appropriate for the terrain, the visibility and operating conditions, your skills and experience and your passengers’ skills and experience.

Turning Improperly

Turning improperly could cause loss of traction, loss of control, accident or rollover. Always follow proper procedures for turning as described in this owner's manual.

Avoid sharp turns. Never turn while applying heavy throttle. Never make abrupt steering maneuvers. Practice turning at slow speeds before attempting to turn at faster speeds.

Jumps and Stunts

Exhibition driving increases the risk of an accident or rollover. DO NOT do power slides, “donuts”, jumps or other driving stunts. Avoid exhibition driving.

Improper Hill Climbing

Improper hill climbing could cause loss of control or rollover. Use extreme caution when operating on hills. Always follow proper procedures for hill climbing as described in this owner's manual. See the Driving Uphill section for details.

Descending Hills Improperly

Improperly descending a hill could cause loss of control or rollover. Always follow proper procedures for traveling down hills as described in this owner’s manual. See the Driving Downhill section for details.

Crossing Hillsides

Driving on a sidehill is not recommended. Improper procedure could cause loss of control or rollover. Avoid crossing the side of any hill unless absolutely necessary.

If crossing a hillside is unavoidable, always follow proper procedures as described in this owner's manual. See the Driving on a Sidehill (Sidehilling) section for details.

Stalling While Climbing a Hill

Stalling or rolling backwards while climbing a hill could cause a rollover. Maintain a steady speed when climbing a hill.

If you lose all forward speed:

Apply the brakes gradually until the vehicle is fully stopped. Place the transmission in reverse and slowly allow the vehicle to roll straight downhill while applying light brake pressure to control speed.

Operating in Unfamiliar Terrain

Failure to use extra caution when operating on unfamiliar terrain could result in an accident or rollover.
Unfamiliar terrain may contain hidden rocks, bumps, or holes that could cause loss of control or rollover.
Travel slowly and use extra caution when operating on unfamiliar terrain. Always be alert to changing terrain conditions.

Operating Improperly in Reverse

Improperly operating in reverse could result in a collision with an obstacle or person. Always follow proper operating procedures as outlined in this manual. See the Driving in Reverse section for details.
Before shifting into reverse gear, always check for obstacles or people behind the vehicle. When it's safe to proceed, back slowly.

Skidding or Sliding

Failure to use extra caution when operating on excessively rough, slippery or loose terrain could cause loss of traction, loss of control, accident or rollover. Do not operate on excessively slippery surfaces. Always slow down and use additional caution when operating on slippery surfaces.

Skidding or sliding due to loss of traction can cause loss of control or rollover (if tires regain traction unexpectedly). Always follow proper procedures for operating on slippery surfaces as described in this owner's manual. See the Driving on Slippery Surfaces section for details.

Operating Over Obstacles

Improperly operating over obstacles could cause loss of control or rollover.
Before operating in a new area, check for obstacles. Never attempt to operate over large obstacles such as large rocks or fallen trees. Always follow the proper procedures outlined in this manual when operating over obstacles. See the Driving Over Obstacles section for details.

Operating Through Water

Operating through deep or fast-flowing water can cause loss of traction, loss of control, rollover or accident. Never operate in fast-flowing water or in water that exceeds the floor level of the vehicle.

Always follow proper procedures for operating in water as described in this owner’s manual. See New Operator Driving Procedures.

Wet brakes may have reduced stopping ability. After leaving water, test the brakes. Apply them lightly several times while driving slowly. The friction will help dry out the pads.

Operating on Frozen Bodies of Water

Severe injury or death can result if the vehicle and/or the operator fall through the ice. Never operate the vehicle on a frozen body of water unless you have first verified that the ice is sufficiently thick to support the weight and moving force of the vehicle, you and your passengers, and your cargo, together with any other vehicles in your party.
Always check with local authorities and residents to confirm ice conditions and thickness over your entire route. Vehicle operators assume all risk associated with ice conditions on frozen bodies of water.

Operating a Damaged Vehicle

Operating a damaged vehicle can result in an accident. After any rollover or other accident, have a qualified service dealer inspect the entire machine for possible damage, including (but not limited to) seat belts, rollover protection devices, brakes, throttle and steering systems.

Improper Cargo Loading

Overloading the vehicle or carrying/towing cargo improperly may cause changes in stability and handling, which could cause loss of control or an accident.

Always follow the instructions in this owner’s manual for carrying cargo. See the Hauling Cargo section for details.
Never exceed the stated load capacity for this vehicle. See the Load / Passenger / Tire Pressure Warning section for details.
Cargo should be properly distributed and securely attached. See the Hauling Cargo section for details.
Reduce speed when carrying cargo or pulling a trailer. Allow a greater distance for braking.

Poor Visibility

caution

Operating this vehicle in darkness or inclement weather could result in a collision or accident, especially if operating on a road or street. This vehicle is not equipped with highway-approved lights. Operate this vehicle off-road only. Use caution and drive at reduced speeds in conditions of reduced visibility such as fog, rain and darkness. Clean headlights frequently and replace burned out headlamps promptly.

Refueling

Gasoline is highly flammable and explosive under certain conditions.

Always exercise extreme caution whenever handling gasoline.
Always turn off the engine when refueling.
Always refuel outdoors or in a well ventilated area free of any source of flame or sparks.
NEVER carry fuel or other flammable liquids on this vehicle. Failure to follow this instruction could lead to serious burn injuries or death.
Do not smoke or allow open flames or sparks in or near the area where refueling is performed or where gasoline is stored.
Do not overfill the tank. Do not fill the tank neck.
If gasoline spills on your skin or clothing, immediately wash it off with soap and water and change clothing.

Exposure to Exhaust

Engine exhaust fumes are poisonous and can cause loss of consciousness or death in a short time. Never start the engine or let it run in an enclosed area.

Operate this vehicle only outdoors or in well-ventilated areas.

Hot Exhaust Systems

WARNING

Exhaust system components are very hot during and after use of the vehicle. Hot components can cause burns and fire. Do not touch hot exhaust system components. Always keep combustible materials away from the exhaust system.

Use caution when traveling through tall grass, especially dry grass, and when traveling in muddy conditions. Always inspect the underside of the vehicle and areas near the exhaust system after driving through tall grass, weeds, brush, other tall ground cover, and muddy conditions. Promptly remove any grass, debris, or foreign matter clinging to the vehicle. Pay particular attention to the exhaust system area.

Unauthorized Use of the Vehicle

Leaving the keys in the ignition can lead to unauthorized use of the vehicle by someone under the age of 16, without a drivers license, or without proper training. This could result in an accident or rollover. Always remove the ignition key when the vehicle is not in use.

Heat Shielding

WARNING

Your vehicle is equipped with heat shielding. Do not remove heat shielding. If heat shields become loose, or are removed, see your dealer to have shielding re-installed properly.

Equipment Modifications

Your POLARIS vehicle is designed to provide safe operation when used as directed. Modifications to your vehicle may negatively impact vehicle stability. Failure of critical machine components may result from operation with any modifications, especially those that increase speed or power. This vehicle may become less stable at speeds higher than those for which it is designed. Loss of control may occur at higher speeds.

Do not install any non-POLARIS-approved accessory or modify the vehicle for the purpose of increasing speed or power. Any modifications or installation of non-POLARIS-approved accessories could create a substantial safety hazard and increase the risk of bodily injury.

The POLARIS limited warranty on your POLARIS vehicle will be terminated if any non-POLARIS-approved equipment and/or modifications have been added to the vehicle that increase speed or power.

The addition of certain accessories, including (but not limited to) mowers, blades, tires, sprayers, or large racks, may change the handling characteristics of the vehicle. Use only POLARIS-approved accessories, and familiarize yourself with their function and effect on the vehicle.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT SAFETY
call POLARIS at 1-800-342-3764.