8 Snowmobile Safety Tips
Right now, your snowmobile is probably sitting in the far corner of your garage or in storage awaiting the snowy days ahead when it can come back out and play. Maybe youโre awaiting those days, too? I know once the first snowfall hits, Iโll be anxious and excited to get back out on my sled!
During the excitement of pulling the snowmobile out for the first ride of the season, itโs important not to forget about safety. Snowmobiling is a thrilling winter sport, but 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.
Use the following tips to keep you and your family safe this winter:
1. Learn How to Operate the Snowmobile Correctly
This may only seem important if youโre a first-time rider, but even if itโs not your first season, itโs important to take 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. And, if youโre a newbie, stay with a group on your first few trips until you get the hang of it.
2. Never Use Alcohol or Drugs When Snomobiling
Alcohol and drugs impair judgment and cause many fatal mistakes. You wouldnโt go out on the road in your car when impaired, and you shouldnโt 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.
3. Speed Kills
Always drive your snowmobile in a way that will allow you ample reaction time for hazardous situations. Unlike a car, there is no protection on a snowmobile. Excessive speed is aย leadingย causeย of snowmobile accidents.
4. Be Careful Where You Ride
Stay away from riding on ice, highways and roads. After a snowfall, itโs difficult to see whatโs under the snow. You may be riding over thin ice and never know until itโs 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.
5.ย Wear a High-Quality Snowmobile Suite, Boots & Gloves
Letโs face it: Youโre riding in the winter in wet and cold conditions, and you need to protect yourself with high-qualityย snowmobile gear. Your snowmobile suit and gloves should be water repellent and be comprised of multiple layers to keep you warm and dry. 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.
6. Protect Your Head
Choosing the correctย helmetย and head protection is essential. A motorcycle helmet wonโt cut it.ย Snowmobile helmetsย offer shields with dual-panes that provide extra protection and minimize fogging. If your helmet doesnโt have a face shield, itโs essential that you have a high-quality pair of snowmobile goggles.
7. Never Go Off by Yourself
As tempting as it may be, donโt drive after dark and never go off by yourself. If youโre an expert driver and want to ride alone, tell at least one person which trail youโre 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.
8. Be Prepared for Emergencies
Bring 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 sportโand may just save your life, too.
