Polaris adds safety features to Rangers

Polaris has unveiled two new safety features on its Ranger side-by-side vehicles: seat belt interlock and speed key compatibility. The features will be available on most of the 2015 range, which is due to arrive in Australia over coming months.

RANGER RANGE IN BIKE SHOWROOM

The seat belt interlock operates by limiting the top speed of the vehicle to 24 km/h when the seatbelt is not engaged, while the speed key – separate to the main ignition key -- limits the top speed to 40km/h, giving the owner choice of whether it’s appropriate for the vehicle to have access to the maximum power output, or whether the power and speed should be limited under certain conditions or circumstances. Most 2015 Ranger models will come speed key compatible, but it will be available as an accessory only.

“This is essentially a safety feature to support a safety feature,” said Polaris Australia & New Zealand Managing Director, Peter Alexander of the seatbelt initiative. “Just because a vehicle is fitted with seatbelts does not guarantee they are being worn and this is a proactive step to ensure the vehicle can only operate at low speeds when the seatbelt is not engaged.

“The great thing about Polaris is that we provide choice and solutions for customers. We have 15 models with ROPS and now customers can not only choose the machine to best meet their needs, but also the machine that offers the greatest safety features for their particular conditions.

“Secondly, we understand that - particularly in the agricultural sector - our vehicles are not always used by the owner themselves, but also by staff or family. The speed key gives the owner of the vehicle or property the option to limit the top speed to a lower level to reduce the chances of injury or accident by staff who might be using the vehicle.”