Snowmobile Accident
by Nick Harris
Snowmobiling - An estimated 1,625,695 snowmobiles were registered within the United States during 2007-2008 according to the International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association.
Snowmobiling is a popular recreational activity in several countries including Canada, the U.S. and Scandinavia and snowmobiling popularity has been growing steadily each year since the mid 80's. In order to get the most fun from your snowmobiling activities, be it racing or on the trails, you should follow some important safety tips and guidelines to keep yourself and your loved one safe.
1. Carry a cellular phone with you while snowmobiling.
A cell phone might not seem practical given that snowmobile trails often take you out of range of your network but you never know when it may work so it's worth having with you. The most important time to use your cellphone is before you leave, never hit the trails without telling someone where you plan on riding and when you plan on returning. The sooner someone realizes you're overdo the better.
2. Check the weather forecast for the area you plan on snowmobiling in.
A snowstorm can ruin your snowmobiling fun quickly and being aware of an upcoming storm can save you from becoming stranded on the trails. Visibility can drop to zero and the chance of getting lost or having an accident increase dramatically during white-out conditions.
3. Dress warmly as if conditions were much colder.
This sounds like a no-brainer but you should dress warmly as if conditions were much colder than they are when you depart. Temperatures can drop quickly in the afternoon and evening so make sure you have adequate clothing to keep you warm even if temperatures drop. A good rule of thumb would be to ask yourself "Would I be able to survive the night wearing this?", if the answer is no you're not ready.
4. Carry a survival kit.
A snowmobile survival kit should typically include some packaged foods to snack on, a small army knife with various tools and blades, a roll of electrical and duct tape, some matches and a tinfoil blanket for warmth. Be sure to adapt your kit for your needs, including medication if you regularly use any. If you have room you can add other small items such as a length of hose or nuts and bolts to make minor repairs with. Your kit should also contain a map of the area and some basic first aid items like bandages. Perhaps a small shovel?
5. Know the terrain in advance.
Make a point of investigating the type of terrain you'll be riding in. Ask others who know the terrain about any possible dangerous areas in advance such as ice covered lakes, small trees or potential avalanche zones.
6. Inspect your snowmobile.
It's a great idea to have your snowmobile inspected and give it a once over before you head for the trails. If you plan on covering a lot of distance make sure you carry with you enough fuel to make the trip. Hey, it happens that people forget to fill up, the excitement of the trip sometimes obscures the obvious!
7. Tread lightly and observe marked signs.
Many snowmobile trails are well established and have clearly marked signs and instructions, follow them. The odds of having a snowmobiling accident increase dramatically when you forge your own trails into unfamiliar areas. A barely visible barbed wire fence or snow covered pit for example can have catastrophic consequences if you run into one. Trash - don't litter! When people throw trash on the ground on a snowmobile trail it accumulates and gets buried but the land owner will see it all come springtime. Trash and damage from snowmobile riding may prompt a land owner to ban riding altogether the following year, take care of the trails.
8. Report dangerous activity.
If you see someone riding their snowmobile in an unsafe manner, such as speeding or other reckless behavior, make it a point to let any local sheriff or official know about it. Don't attempt to be the law yourself, you never know when someone has been drinking or is under the influence and prone to unpredictable behavior, instead help law enforcement do their job. Taking note of a license plate number and moving along is much safer than confronting strangers.
9. Wear a helmet at all times and follow local laws
Not knowing your local snowmobile riding laws is not an excuse you can defend. Wear a helmet, make sure everyone has the required safety training course certificates for their age and enjoy the trails.
There are many other great safety tips as well, if you know of one or there is something you regularly do to stay safe, please share it with everyone by leaving a comment below. Ride safe!
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