Snowmobile

Safety

Each year approximately 650-700 snowmobile-related injuries are reported by the 15 hospitals involved in the Canadian Hospitals Injury Reporting and Prevention Program (CHIRPP). This represents only a small fraction of the total annual number of snowmobile injuries that occur in Canada.

Records show that 13.5% of injuries occur in children younger than 10 years of age, 33.6% in persons between 10 and 19 years, and 52.9% in persons 20 years of age or older. Of all the people injured, only 12.7% reported using helmets or other protective equipment.

The hospitalization rate for snowmobile injuries is more than three times the admission rate seen for all other injuries combined.

The most common circumstances leading to injury are falling off the machine (24.2%) and hitting a natural obstacle (12.3%).

As snowmobiles are becoming more popular, the number of injuries from improper use will undoubtably increase. Many of these injuries can be prevented by drivers and passengers taking adequate precautions.

Practise driving in four basic positions: sitting, kneeling, standing, posting.
Know basic first aid.
Take a snowmobile safety course.
Let someone know where you are going and when you will return.

Make sure your machine is in good working order - check the condition and tension of the drive belt (change it if necessary), check emergency switch, lights, battery, and free movement og throttle and brake cables.
Know the snowmobile regulations and laws for the area in which you will be travelling.

Check local weather conditions.
Ask about potential hazards such as ice conditions and fast-moving currents.

A friend - don't travel alone.
First Aid Kit; tool kit; extra ignition key, drive belt and spark plugs; owner's manual for the snowmobile.

On long trips, also take compass; maps; flashlight; hunting knife; hatchet; fuel reserves; matches (in a waterproof container); whistle.

Do not Drink and Drive.
Wear a helmet and protective glasses or goggles.
Use the driving position which is most comfortable and suitable to the terrain.
Stay alert - watch for obstacles ahead.
Wear warm clothing, preferable with reflective markings.
Don't tailgate - allow space of 3 sled-lengths for every 15kms/hr speed.
Drive at speeds appropriate to the terrain and conditions.
Slow down at the top of hills - a hazard could be on the other side.
Do not jump snowbanks.
Stop before crossing roads or railway tracks.
Drive only on established or marked trails, or in specified use areas.
Avoid unknown waterways.
Avoid travelling in poor weather conditions - eg. whiteouts, severe wind chill.
Use extra caution at night - do not drive faster than your headlights will allow you to see.
Do not open new trails in the dark.
If you have to abandon your machine, follow your trail back.
To signal for help, use three blasts on a whistle/horn, three shots, or three of any other loud noise or visible signal.

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