2010 Polaris Vegas 8-Ball Owners Manual - Page 13

Safe Riding Practices Safety • Ride defensively, as if you are invisible to other motorists, even in broad daylight. A motorist's failure to see or recognize a motorcycle is the leading cause of automobile/motorcycle accidents. Ride where you're clearly visible to other motorists, and observe their behavior carefully. • Be especially cautious at intersections, as these are the most likely places for an accident. • To prevent loss of control, keep your hands on the handlebars and your feet on the footrests. • Do not move or operate the motorcycle with the steering locked (with accessory lock), as the severely restricted steering could result in loss of control. • Obey the speed limit and adjust your speed and riding technique based on road, weather and traffic conditions. As you travel faster, the influence of all other conditions increases, which can affect the motorcycle's stability and increase the possibility of losing control. • Reduce speed when: - the road has potholes or is otherwise rough or uneven. - the road contains sand, dirt, gravel or other loose substances. - the road is wet, icy or oily. - the road contains painted surfaces, manhole covers, metal grating, railway crossings or other slippery surfaces. 11