Snowmobiling Safety Tips

Winter is finally here! It’s time to get out those snowmobiles and go for a ride. Snowmobiling is exciting and a lot of fun during the winter months. Be sure to follow these tips to make your trip safe. It is important to be cautious on the trails and remember to never ride alone.

Tip #1

When heading out, always let someone know where you are going and when you’ll be back. Give them directions and tell them what trails you will be on.

Tip #2

Make sure you have a full tank or bring some extra fuel with you.  You don’t want to get stuck in the middle of nowhere!

Tip #3

ALWAYS look out for obstacles in the snow, like trees and branches, other snowmobilers, people, and wild animals.  Also, be very careful not to drive on frozen lakes, it may not be completely frozen.  Mostly, watch out for train tracks, roads and hidden intersections.

Tip #4

Dress right!  Wear thermal under your clothing and avoid cotton or sweatshirts, which retain moisture, can make you clammy which can lead to hypothermia. Find suits that are water and wind proof, also make sure your suit has reflective strips which make it better for others to see you at night. Bring extra socks, boot and mitt liners in case they get wet.

Hypothermia

Hypothermia is when your body temperature drops below 95f and can be fatal. What causes your body temperature to drop includes:

• Not wearing enough warm clothing
• Wearing wet clothing in cold weather

The symptoms of hypothermia are:

• Drowsiness
• Weakness and loss of coordination
• Pale and cold skin
• Confusion
• Uncontrollable shivering (shivering may stop when the body temperature is extremely low)
• Slowed breathing and heat rate

What to do:

• Take the person to somewhere warm and cover them with warm blankets
• Remove any wet clothing and replace them with warm dry clothing
• Give them something sweet and warm to drink and avoid alcohol

Don’t Drink and Ride

Try to avoid drinking alcohol!! Alcohol can impair your perceptions and slow down reaction time. Having alcohol in your body can cause your blood to thin which can lead to hypothermia.

70% of snowmobile fatalities are caused by drinking and riding.

Night Riding

Riding at night can also be very dangerous.  Visibility is reduced in the dark and it is harder to spot hazards. Be sure to slow down.