Snowmobile Safety Tips
These instructional video educates snowmobilers about the basics of snowmobile safety. It is the product of the Safe Riders! campaign initiated by the International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association (ISMA) and the four snowmobile manufacturers: Arctic Cat, Bombardier Recreational Products (Ski-Doo), Polaris Industries and Yamaha Motor Corporation. This video playlist is a great supplement to a snowmobile safety course and are used by many safety instructors.
Before you snowmobile make sure that you understand and remember these important tips:
- Make sure there is enough snow cover to ensure your sled is getting enough lubrication.
- Check condition of your snowmobile clothing and ensure you have adequate accessories for warmth.
- Stay on marked or familiar trails.
- Obey all trail signs, markers and speed limits.
- Know and use correct hand signals.
- Learn the language of snowmobile trail signage.
- Service your sled for maintenance and repair. Check your belt, track, oil, grease, change old fuel, ensure tail and headlights are working, place reflective material on sled for night riding.
- Put together a safety kit and store it in the trunk of your sled. You will need a tow rope, first aid kit, survival food, spark plugs and extra snowmobile belt.
- Plan your snowmobile ride. Tell someone where you’re going so someone can find you if you are in trouble.
- Obtain a snowmobile trail map of the area that you are riding in.
- Learn safe snowmobiling. It is mandatory for all young riders born January 1, 1989, or later operating a snowmobile in public areas to complete a safety course.
- Make sure your sled fits you. Can you start and lift the sled on your own? Is it comfortable? Can you maneuver it easily?
- Join a snowmobile club in your area. Clubs sponsor outings, build a community, and maintain our trails!
What to Wear
- Always wear an approved snowmobile helmet with face shield with no cracks in either. Open face and closed face helmets are available. Electric face shields are available and will not fog.
- Wear a balaclava (nylon, fleece or wool), snowmobile gloves, mitts, pants, jacket or one-piece snowmobile suit, boots and heavy outdoor socks. Buy the warmest gear available; don’t pinch pennies on snowmobile clothing and accessories.
- Ensure the back of your jacket has reflective material. This will help the person following to have visual sight of you at all times at night. Also, place a reflective decal on the back of your helmet.
- Wear a wrist mirror. This is an excellent safety device which enables you to check behind you without turning your body and causing your sled to swerve.
What NOT to Do
-DON’T DRINK AND RIDE
-Do not ride alone or if temperature are colder than -25 degrees Celcius.
-Do not start your sled and take off right away. Let the sled warm up as this could prevent burning down your engine.
-Do not use excessive speed.
Maintenance and Repair of your Sled
Before you attempt any maintenance or repair of your snowmobile, you should review the owner’s manual and decide just how much mechanical ability you have. Don’t attempt repairs which you do not understand completely. You might end up with a pile of parts and no snowmobile. If repair is beyond your ability, you should have your local snowmobile dealer take care of it for you. It is important to check your machine often, but you should not make adjustments which could endanger you and others when you are riding. Once you make an adjustment on your snowmobile, remember to check it periodically throughout the season. Out on a trail, your snowmobile could have a problem which could stop it completely. For this reason you should never travel alone!
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