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