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More than 10-million people gear up each Winter to ride the snow covered trails of North America.* Before donning your suit and helmet and hitting the throttle, make sure that you and your machine are tuned up and ready to go!
BEFORE YOU HEAD OUT
LAWS
Each State and County have different rules and regulations for its travelers and trail riders. Before you hit the the open road, brush up on your State's laws and recommendations, and also those of the area you'll be traveling in. Check your registration to make sure it's current and properly displayed, as well. Also, carry your registration card with you at all times, along with your drivers licence.
CHECK YOUR MACHINE
Proper snowmobile maintenance (especially at the beginning of any season) is the key to enjoying a good ride. Conduct a safety check before each ride to ensure your machine is up to the task. Double check gas levels, brake lines, and lights before heading out. Also, carry a small toolkit with you for emergency repairs.
CHECK CONDITIONS
Most States post a description of current trail conditions several times a day to keep motorists abreast of changing weather conditions. . Contact your local DNR or Snowmobile Association for more information about trail listings and weather conditions.
REFRESH YOUR MEMORY
Cars and other snowmobile enthusiasts need to know your every move. Brush up on your hand signals and use them:
Left turn=Left arm extended straight out, as if to point where you're headed.
Right turn=Left arm out, elbow bent at a 90-degree angle.
Stop=Left arm raised straight up.
Slow=Left arm out, slightly angled toward ground with elbow tipped outward.
COMMUNICATE
Always communicate your travel plans with others. Let someone know where you're heading, how you're getting there, and when you're expected to return.
TRAVEL TOGETHER
Never travel alone. The greater majority of all accidents result in personal injury. Traveling with a buddy or small group is always advised. If you must travel alone, even short distances, alert someone of your travel plans and route.
WEAR A HELMET
Always wear a Department of Transportation (DOT) approved helmet when snowmobiling. Snowmobile helmets have proven themselves effective in preventing serious head injury and death. Also, wear goggles or a face shield to protect yourself against flying debris.
DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE
If you're going to be driving snowmobile, stay off alcohol and drugs, both of which impair judgement and slow reaction time. Alcohol abuse is the number one cause of snowmobile related accidents. Alcohol usage is also particularly dangerous in colder Winter months, as alcohol causes body temperatures to drop at an accelerated rate, increasing the likelihood of hypothermia. Most States have now adopted new and stiffer laws regarding alcohol usage and snowmobiling.
WATCH THE SPEED LIMIT
Speed limits are almost always posted at trail heads. Follow them! Speed is a contributing factor in almost all fatal snowmobile accidents. In poor weather conditions, reduce speed below the posted limit when necessary.
KEEP YOUR DISTANCE
Those operating snowmobiles should always allow ample distance between their machine and other operators. Failure to do so leaves drivers with little or no reaction time. Ease up on the throttle when approaching other snowmobilers, groups, buildings, or unfamiliar territory.
DRESS APPROPRIATELY
Always wear weather-appropriate clothing. Dressing in loose layers will allow you to shed or add clothing as weather permits. Be certain your outer layer of clothing is wind and waterproof to avoid possible hypothermia. Don't forget the boots, gloves, mitts and hat, too.
FIRST-AID KIT
Carry a First-Aid kit with your machine at all times. First-Aid kits should include:
Flashlight.
Bandages.
Cotton gauze.
Knife.
Compass.
Map.
Waterproof matches.
Means of communication (cell phone, CB, etc.)
WATER HAZARDS
Never travel over bodies of water when you are uncertain of their ice thickness. Avoid bodies of water which have known water currants or appear to be untraveled. Be aware that rapidly changing weather conditions and snow accumulation can affect the thickness and strength of ice on lakes and ponds.
TRAIL SAFETY
It's important to note the importance of following individual trail guidelines and safety measures. While venturing off on your own into the woods may sound like an adventure, it may also be very dangerous. When riding on public trails always:
Stay on marked trails.
Ride to the right shoulder.
Stay alert.
Follow trail guides and postings.
Travel with others.
Honor trail signs, including stop signs and yield signs.
Follow recommended or posted speed limits.
Use your lights.
Use hand signals.
Also, make certain to familiarize yourself with new areas and trails. Not all trails are well-designed or maintained. Watch for known hazards like cables and wires, fences, barbed wire, unsafe ice, tree stumps, low hanging branches, and hidden rocks and other debris.
WATCH THE CROSSINGS
When crossing roads, be extra careful. Always come to a complete stop at all crossings and watch for oncoming traffic in both directions. When crossing, do so only at a right angle to traffic.
BEWARE OF LIGHT AND DARK
Light changes require attention and cautiousness. During low-light and dark travels, slow your speed and watch carefully when crossing roads, merging trails, and unfamiliar areas. Night travel also makes it difficult to distinguish the different between ice covered lakes and open fields. Pay extra attention to signs and maps, and always keep a point of reference.
WHEN THE WORST HAPPENS
ICE BREAKING
If the ice begins to break and crack during a cruise across open water, move quickly (but safely) toward the shore or direction you came from.
WATER
If you go through the ice while riding, snow suits and helmets will help to keep you afloat for up to 5-minutes. Use this time wisely. Use a sharp object (glove hooks, knives, fingernails, nearby ice chip, etc.) to help pull yourself back onto the ice, kicking your feet to propel you to safety. If others are nearby, have them extend a long pole, branch, or similar object to pull you to safety. Once out of the water, roll away from the hole. Do not stand until you are at least 10-feet from the open area.
COLLISION
If an accident, collision, or mishap occurs while in-route, secure the victim before getting help. Never move the victim, if head or spinal injury is feared. Attempt to stop any bleeding and make contact with someone who can provide assistance. Wrap a blanket, jacket or similar object around the victim to prevent hypothermia.
*International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association. (ISMA)
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