| Snowmobiling is quickly becoming a | | | | by the vibration and motion of the |
| popular sport, with enthusiasts and | | | | snowmobile and the sun and wind, all of |
| clubs gaining ground nationally. | | | | which affect reaction time; |
| However, with the increased popularity | | | | * Stay on marked trails; |
| comes ever-increasing dangers, which is | | | | * Make sure to cross streets and roads |
| why manufacturers are encouraging | | | | carefully, remembering to first stop |
| safety and education for riders. | | | | before continuing at a right angle to |
| The International Snowmobile | | | | the road - also always avoid crossing |
| Manufacturers Association (ISMA) is | | | | any bodies of water; |
| actively involved in a worldwide | | | | * Carry a safety kit containing a first |
| campaign to encourage snowmobile safety | | | | aid kit, flashlight, matches, tool kit, |
| and safety training programs. However, | | | | and compass; |
| laws governing snowmobile operation vary | | | | * If traveling in the mountains, be |
| widely among different states, and | | | | aware of avalanche dangers; |
| generally, there are fewer restrictions | | | | When Snowmobile Accidents Happen |
| and regulations for operation than for | | | | Most snowmobile crashes result in |
| other motor vehicles, including | | | | personal injury, which is why it is best |
| all-terrain vehicles. Causes of | | | | to travel with someone else who may be |
| Snowmobile Accidents | | | | able to help in the event of an |
| Speed is a contributing factor to most | | | | accident. If you happen to go through |
| fatal snowmobile accidents. Driving too | | | | the ice on your snowmobile, a specially |
| fast often occurs when alcohol is | | | | made snowmobile suit should help you |
| involved. Consuming alcohol will not | | | | stay afloat for at least a few minutes. |
| only impair one's judgment, but can also | | | | Pull up onto the ice and roll away from |
| contribute to hypothermia. Driving at | | | | the hole, standing only when you are |
| night presents another hazard, since | | | | well away from the hole. Keep your mitts |
| vision is limited. According to the | | | | or gloves on. |
| Wisconsin Department of Natural | | | | If traveling in the mountains, which has |
| Resources, most fatal snowmobile | | | | the risk of avalanches, again be sure to |
| accidents happen between 8:00 p.m. and | | | | have a partner. Carry rescue gear such |
| 3:00 a.m. Drowning is another leading | | | | as a beacon, radio, shovels, and probe |
| cause of snowmobile fatalities. | | | | poles for locating people who are buried |
| Among children who are injured or killed | | | | in the snow. Dangers of Snowmobile |
| in snowmobile crashes, about two-thirds | | | | Racing |
| of the fatal accidents are due to head | | | | Snowmobile racing is becoming increasing |
| and neck injuries, usually from striking | | | | popular. The high speeds of snowmobile |
| a stationary object. For this reason, | | | | racing can result in loss of control and |
| the American Academy of Pediatrics | | | | flipping of the vehicle and an increased |
| recommends that children under 16 not be | | | | the risk of striking objects or other |
| allowed to operate snowmobiles, and that | | | | snowmobiles. This means increased risk |
| all riders (drivers and passengers) be | | | | of personal injury. Manufacturer's |
| required to wear helmets. Snowmobile | | | | Recall Alert |
| Safety | | | | In 2006, a snowmobile recall occurred |
| The most important snowmobile safety | | | | for about 3,600 snowmobiles sold in the |
| practices are: | | | | United States and Canada. Snowmobile |
| * Maintain the snowmobile in top | | | | enthusiasts must be aware that |
| condition | | | | snowmobiles, as with any vehicle are |
| * Wear appropriate gear including helmet | | | | subject to mechanical defects that can |
| and face shield or goggles; layers of | | | | result in injury or death. The |
| clothing (water repellent); warm mitts | | | | snowmobile manufacturer for this recall |
| or gloves; warm boots; windproof outer | | | | is Bombardier Recreational Products |
| layer; | | | | (BRP) out of Quebec, Canada. BRP |
| * Stay in control by knowing and staying | | | | manufactured the 2005 and 2006 Ski-Doo |
| within your own abilities and the | | | | models in which ring gears fragment at |
| abilities of the vehicle; | | | | high speeds releasing high speed debris. |
| * Plan your route and tell someone else, | | | | This flying debris has caused injuries |
| including estimated time of arrival; | | | | including lacerations and fractures. |
| * Travel at a safe speed and be | | | | If you have been injured in a snowmobile |
| especially cautious at night -Avoid | | | | accident, you may have a legal case. |
| alcohol and drugs before and when | | | | Get in touch with an expert snowmobile |
| driving; | | | | accident lawyer in order to help |
| * Ride with someone else do not travel | | | | determine whether or not you could be |
| alone; | | | | eligible for some kind of compensation. |
| * Stay alert. Be aware of fatigue caused | | | | |