Can-Am DS250 Operator's Manual - page 47
RIDING THE VEHICLE
In off-road operation, power and traction, not speed, are important. Never drive
faster than visibility and your own ability to select a safe route permit.
Constantly watch the terrain ahead for sudden changes in slopes or obstacles,
such as rocks or stumps, that may cause loss of stability, resulting in tipover or
rollover.
Never operate the vehicle if the controls do not function normally.
When operating in reverse, check that the path behind the vehicle is free of people
or obstacles. Proceed slowly and avoid sharp turns.
When stopped or parked, always apply the parking brake. This is especially impor-
tant when parking on a slope. On very steep inclines or if the vehicle is carrying car-
go, the wheels should be blocked using rocks or bricks. Remember to turn the fuel
valve to the closed position.
Uphill Driving
Due to configuration, this vehicle has excellent climbing ability, so much so that
tipover is possible before traction is lost. For example, its common to encounter
terrain situations where the top of the hill has eroded to a point that the hill peak
rises very sharply. The vehicle can readily negotiate such a condition, however,
in doing so, when the front of the vehicle is driven to a point that the vehicle's
balance changes rearward tipover can occur.
The same situation may apply if an embedded object causes the front of the vehi-
cle to climb more than desired. If such a situation occurs take an alternate route.
Be aware of side hilling dangers when doing so.
It is also wise to know the terrain condition on the other side of the hill or bank. All
too often there exists a sharp drop-off that is impossible to negotiate or descend.
Downhill Driving
This vehicle can climb slopes that are steeper than it can safely descend. There-
fore, it is essential to assure that a safe route exists to descend a slope before you
climb it.
Decelerating while negotiating a slippery downhill slope could “toboggan” the ve-
hicle. Maintain steady speed and/or accelerate slightly to regain control.
Side Hilling
Whenever possible, such operation should be avoided. If necessary, do so with
extreme caution. Side hilling on steep inclines could result in rollover. In addition,
slippery or unfirm surfaces could result in uncontrollable side sliding. Do not at-
tempt to turn the vehicle downhill with the slide. Avoid all objects or depressions
that will intensify the raising of one side of the vehicle higher than the other, thus
causing rollover.
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SAFETY INFORMATION
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