Content Source: 2020 PRO XD Gas Owner’s Manual (9939921 Rev 01) > 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

Operator Safety

WARNING
Serious injury or death can result if you do not follow these instructions and procedures, which are outlined in further detail within your owner's manual.
  • Read this entire manual and all labels carefully. Follow the operating procedures described.
  • Never allow anyone under the age of 16 to operate this vehicle and never allow anyone without a valid driver's license to operate this vehicle.
  • Do not carry a passenger until you have at least two hours of driving experience with this vehicle.
  • No person under the age of 12 may ride as a passenger in this vehicle.
  • Always keep hands and feet inside the vehicle at all times. Always keep both hands on the steering wheel (driver) and both feet on the floorboards of the vehicle during operation.
  • Never permit a guest to operate this vehicle unless the guest has read this manual and all product labels.
  • Always make sure the seat belts are secured for operator and passenger before operating.
  • Never exceed the stated load capacity for this vehicle. Cargo should be properly distributed and securely attached. Reduce speed and follow the instructions in this manual for hauling cargo or pulling a trailer. Allow a greater distance for braking.
  • Always be sure there are no obstacles or people behind your vehicle when operating in reverse. When it's safe to proceed in reverse, move slowly. Avoid turning at sharp angles in reverse.
  • Always use the proper size and type of tires specified in this manual. Always maintain proper tire pressure as specified on safety labels.
  • Never modify this vehicle through improper installation or use of non-POLARIS-approved accessories.
  • Always remove the key when leaving the vehicle unattended.
  • Never consume alcohol or drugs before or while operating this vehicle.
  • Never operate at excessive speeds. Always operate at a speed that's appropriate for the traffic, the visibility and operating conditions, your skills and your passengers’ skills.
  • Always inspect the vehicle before each use to make sure it's in safe operating condition. Always follow the inspection procedures described in this manual.
  • Always travel slowly and use extra caution when operating on unfamiliar terrain. Be alert to changing terrain.
  • Always follow proper procedures for turning. Make turns slowly, especially when the ground is wet, greasy, bumpy or sloping. Never turn the steering wheel abruptly when driving at high speed.
  • Always have this vehicle checked by an authorized POLARIS dealer if it has been involved in an accident.
  • Always be alert for obstacles when operating this vehicle. Never attempt to operate over obstacles.
  • Never operate this vehicle on steep hills.
  • Never operate on excessively rough, slippery or loose terrain.
  • Always be careful of skidding or sliding. On slippery surfaces such as ice, travel slowly and exercise caution to reduce the chance of skidding or sliding out of control.
  • Always be sure there are no obstacles or people behind your vehicle when operating in reverse. When it's safe to proceed in reverse, move slowly. Avoid turning at sharp angles in reverse.
  • Always stop the engine before refueling. Remove flammable material containers from the box before filling them with fuel. Make sure the refueling area is well ventilated and free of any source of flame or sparks.
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. See the Operation chapter of this owner’s manual for proper operating procedures.

Operating Without Instruction

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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. All operators must read and understand the Owner's Manual and all warning and instruction labels before operating the vehicle.

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.
  • The operator must be tall enough to sit with back against the seat, both feet flat on the floor and both hands on the steering wheel (if equipped) or handlebars.

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Using Alcohol or Drugs

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

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Failure to Inspect Before Operating

WARNING
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 the Operation chapter 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 owner’s manual. See the Periodic Maintenance section of the Maintenance chapter.

Seat Belts

WARNING
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. The operator and all passengers MUST wear their seat belt at all times.

Operating With a Load on the Vehicle

The weight of the cargo, operator, and passengers 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, passengers, 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
  1. Slow down.
  2. Verify tire pressure.
  3. Use extra caution when operating.
Operating in rough terrain
Operating over obstacles
Climbing an incline
Towing

Improper Tire Maintenance

WARNING
Operating this vehicle with improper tires or with improper or uneven tire pressure could cause loss of control or accident. Always use the size and type of tires specified for your vehicle. Always maintain proper tire pressure as described in the owner's manual and on safety labels.

Operating at Excessive Speeds

caution
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 and your skills and experience.

Jumps and Stunts

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

Turning Improperly

caution
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.

Improper Hill Climbing

caution
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.

Descending Hills Improperly

caution
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.

Crossing Hillsides

caution
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.

Stalling While Climbing a Hill

caution
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.
If you begin rolling downhill:
Never apply engine power. 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

caution
Failure to use extra caution when operating on unfamiliar terrain could result in an accident or rollover.
caution
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

caution
Improperly operating in reverse could result in a collision with an obstacle or person. Always follow proper operating procedures as outlined in this manual.
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

caution
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.
caution
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.

Operating Over Obstacles

caution
Improperly operating over obstacles could cause loss of control or rollover. Before operating in a new area, check for obstacles. Avoid operating over large obstacles such as large rocks and fallen trees. Always follow the proper procedures outlined in this manual when operating over obstacles.

Operating Through Water

caution
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.
Wet brakes will 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

WARNING
Serious 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 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

caution
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 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.
  • Never exceed the stated load capacity for this vehicle.
  • Cargo should be properly distributed and securely attached.
  • 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.

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 through 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 and pay particular attention to the exhaust system area.

Exposure to Exhaust

caution
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.

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.

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.
The addition of certain accessories, including (but not limited to) overhead audio speakers, may change the forward clearance in the vehicle. Polaris recommends selecting a helmet that is compatible with the equipment on your vehicle and provides the greatest amount of forward clearance. Always wear a helmet that meets or exceeds the specifications in this owner’s manual. Refer to the Safe Riding Gear section of this owner’s manual for more information. Use only POLARIS-approved accessories.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT SAFETY IN THE UNITED STATES call POLARIS at 1-800-342-3764.

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