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Staying Safe With Your Winter Toys | Up North Sports


Staying Safe With Your Winter Toys

Snowmobiling is a thrilling winter sport that can be enjoyed by the entire family. It is also one of the most hazardous with snowmobiles easily reaching speeds of 60 mph and more. A snowmobile is not a toy and sitting behind the wheel of a powerful motor necessitates the practice of top notch safety skills. Here are a few rules that will keep you safe.

If you’re a first time rider, take the time to learn how to operate the snowmobile correctly. Take a few lessons or have an expert go over the proper operation of the snowmobile. Stay with a group on your first few trips until you get the hang of it.

Never use alcohol or drugs when snowmobiling. Alcohol and drugs impair judgment and cause many fatal mistakes. You wouldn’t go out on the road in your car when impaired, and you shouldn’t drive a snowmobile either. Remember, a snowmobile is a powerful piece of equipment and the trails are just as dangerous as driving on a highway.

Speed kills. Always drive your snowmobile in a way that will allow you ample reaction time to hazardous situations. Unlike a car, there is no protection on a snowmobile. Excessive speed is the #1 cause of snowmobile accidents.

Be careful where you ride. Stay away from riding on ice, highways and roads. After a snowfall it is difficult to see what is under the snow. You may be riding over thin ice and never know it until it’s too late. On highways and roads, you run the risk of not being seen by trucks and cars. Like motorcyclists, it is especially dangerous because you have no protection.

 Wearing a high quality snowmobile suit, boots and gloves is a must. Your snowmobile suit should be water repellant and be comprised of multiple layers and your helmet should be equipped with a face shield or goggles. By outfitting yourself correctly you are lessening your chances of getting hypothermia should you be stranded. Be sure not to wear any loose-fitting snowmobile clothing that can get caught in parts of the machine. 

As tempting as it may be, don’t drive after dark and never go off by yourself. If you’re an expert driver and want to ride alone tell at least someone which trail you’re riding and let them know when to expect your return. In case something goes wrong, someone will know where to search for you and this could save your life.

Be prepared for emergencies by bringing a first aid kit, flashlight, map, waterproof matches, compass, a small shovel and a basic tool kit to use if your snowmobile breaks down.

Being prepared for any emergency will give you the freedom to enjoy the sport and it may save your life too.