Safety
Injuries in Canada
- 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.
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Before every trip:
- 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.
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Things to take along
:
- 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.
- Radio - check local weather forcasts.
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Precautions while driving
:
- 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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