Can-Am SPYDER RS, Operator'S Manual, Page: 38 / 147

UNDERSTANDING RISK ON THE ROAD
Before you operate the Spyder road-
ster, consider your risk of being hurt or
killed in a crash, how you can reduce
the risk and whether you are willing to
take the risk. There are many factors
that contribute to the risk that you face.
You can control some of these factors,
but others, like the behavior of other
drivers, are beyond your control. Here
are some of the factors that affect your
risk:
Type of Vehicle
Different types of vehicles vary in
terms of size, visibility and maneuver-
ability and provide different degrees of
protection.
The Spyder roadster is small and ma-
neuverable. Maneuverability can help
avoid crashes. However, smaller vehi-
cles are harder to see, which increases
the chance that other motorists will
cause a crash. In some situations, the
Spyder roadster is less likely to be in
a crash than a motorcycle. For exam-
ple, you are less likely to tip over at low
speeds while operating the vehicle.
However, in other situations, the vehi-
cle is more likely to be in a crash. For
example, because the vehicle is wider,
it will not fit through as small an open-
ing as many motorcycles.
In cars and trucks, the structure of the
vehicle provides protection in crashes
and from other road hazards. In addi-
tion, passengers can protect them-
selves by wearing seat belts. You
should expect that riding the Spyder
roadster is riskier than riding in a car
and that the risk of injury is more like
riding a motorcycle.
As when riding a motorcycle, you can
reduce the risk of injuries by wearing a
helmet and riding gear.
Operator Skills and
Judgment
Every driver has some control over
their own risk on the road. Drivers
who develop good skills will have bet-
ter control of their vehicle. Do not rely
on your experience with motorcycles,
automobiles, ATVs, snowmobiles or
any other kind of vehicle to prepare you
to operate the Spyder roadster. Learn
how this vehicle is different. Read this
Operator's Guide, watch the
SAFETY
VIDEO
, and if available, take a training
course. Become proficient with the
controls and be able to do the practice
exercises accurately and with confi-
dence before going on the road.
When you begin riding on the road,
start with less challenging situations
(e.g., light traffic, lower speeds, good
weather, no passenger) and gradually
move on to more challenging riding
situations as you develop your skills.
Plan ahead to avoid situations that are
too difficult for your skill level, or that
present more risk than you want to
take on.
Even skilled drivers cause crashes.
For example, if you use your skills to
do extreme maneuvers or stunts, you
increase your risk. The smart driver
uses good judgment along with skills
to increase the margin of safety and
minimize risk. Learn the defensive
driving techniques in
STREET STRATE-
GIES .
Rider Condition
A driver needs to be alert, sober, and
physically ready to ride. Riding when
intoxicated, tired or otherwise im-
paired increases the risk of a crash.
Alcohol, drugs, medications, fatigue,
drowsiness and emotions can all in-
hibit your ability to ride safely. Like
riding a motorcycle, riding the Spyder
roadster is a challenging activity —
being in good physical and mental con-
dition is even more important than for a
car. The safest policy is to never oper-
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SAFE OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
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