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