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 you’re awaiting those days, too? I know once the first snowfall hits, I’ll 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, it’s 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 you’re a first-time rider, but even if it’s not your first season, it’s 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 you’re 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 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.
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 a leading cause of snowmobile accidents.
4. Be Careful Where You Ride
Stay away from riding on ice, highways and roads. After a snowfall, it’s difficult to see what’s under the snow. You may be riding over thin ice and never know 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.
5. Wear a High-Quality Snowmobile Suite, Boots & Gloves
Let’s face it: You’re riding in the winter in wet and cold conditions, and you need to protect yourself with high-quality 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 correct helmet and head protection is essential. A motorcycle helmet won’t cut it. Snowmobile helmets offer shields with dual-panes that provide extra protection and minimize fogging. If your helmet doesn’t have a face shield, it’s essential that you have a high-quality pair of snowmobile goggles.
7. Never Go Off by Yourself
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 one person 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.
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 sport—and may just save your life, too.
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