Snowmobile Safety
A snowmobile is as safe as the person operating it. The key to safe operation is knowledge of the machine, good judgement and common sense. The LifeSaving Society has a video, brochures, and presentation kit that every member should view and practice. It’s called the Sledsmart program.
Responsibilities
Read the owners manual. Do this before you start the machine, especially if it is your first time doing so. Learn about your snowmobiles safety features (ex. safety kill switch, safety cord).
Maintenance of your snowmobile is very important. Check owners manual, have your snowmobile safety inspected by a snowmobile mechanic.
Beginners should familiarize themselves with proper operation of the snowmobile. Do this with an experienced operator or trainer.
Know the laws regarding snowmobile use.(Motorized Snowmobile and All-Terrain Vehicles Act and its Regulations).
Snowmobile
Before going on a ride check to make sure the machine is operating properly:
Check the brakes for stopping or slowing.
Check the throttle making sure it is not stuck.
Check headlights and taillights.
Ensure you have enough snowmobile oil and gasoline in the machine for wherever you are travelling. Check the gauges. It’s safer to have more than enough than not enough.
Never refuel machine while it is running. Gas fumes are explosive.
Make sure you have spare spark plugs, drive belt, and tools to change these items.
Ensure you have a safety/first aid kit onboard while riding (including matches and dry foods).
Always take an axe in case you break down.
A throw-bag in case someone goes through the ice.
Have a map and compass for the area you are travelling in. Be sure you know how to use it.
Clothing
Wear warm, windproof and waterproof snowmobile clothing. Safety approved winter wear floater jackets and snowpants can be purchased and are highly recommended. Your clothing should be in layers, comfortable and not too tight. Weather in Newfoundland can change quickly.
Cover all exposed skin to avoid serious frostbite or freezing. Check for frostbite frequently.
Your gloves should be insulated and permit free operation of the snowmobile controls.
Always wear an approved safety helmet.
Don’t wear long scarfs or loose clothing that could get caught in moving parts of the snowmobile.
Wear a good warm pair of winter boots.
It is colder outside when it is windy than when
it’s not windy.
WINDCHILL INDEX
Speed (kph) |
Temperature |
|||||
0 |
-10 |
-20 |
-30 |
-40 |
-50 |
|
| 8 | -2 | -12 | -23 | -33 | -44 | -54 |
| 16 | -8 | -20 | -32 | -45 | -57 | -69 |
| 24 | -11 | -25 | -38 | -52 | -65 | -79 |
| 32 | -14 | -28 | -43 | -57 | -71 | -79 |
| 40 | -16 | -31 | -46 | -61 | -75 | -90 |
| 48 | -17 | -33 | -48 | -63 | -79 | -94 |
| 56 | -19 | -34 | -50 | -65 | -81 | -96 |
| 64 | -19 | -35 | -51 | -67 | -83 | -98 |
| increasing danger | dangerous | dangerous | extremely dangerous | extremely dangerous | extremely dangerous | |
Tips for Safe Riding
Avoid lakes and rivers, especially if not tested. Drive on trails already made.
Use the buddy system if going on a trip, never travel alone. Use more than one snowmobile if travelling over long distances, and let someone know where you are going and when you’ll be back.
Never put your feet in the running board support bars. You may be seriously injured if you overturn.
Leave sufficient stopping distance between your snowmobile and other vehicles, never tailgate.
If possible drive a good stopping distance, yet off to the side of the vehicle in front of you in case they stop quickly.
Come to a complete stop before crossing the road or a highway, you have to yield right of way to oncoming traffic, it’s the law.
When carrying passengers start and stop smoothly, use moderate speeds, slow down over rough surfaces.
When towing a sled use a manufacture’s tow bar and safety chain.
Follow on trails and do not pass.
Drive only where you know to go. If you go in other places you may get lost.
Ice Safety
If travelling on ponds or lakes, ice thickness should be at least 25 cm (cut a hole to find out). If the ice is clear, hard and new than it should be at least 12 cm.
If someone goes through the ice on snowmobile get them to grab hold of the ice away from the direction they went in. Tell them to kick their feet like swimming and pull themselves out. Get a long stick or branch and keep your weight spread out over the ice evenly and reach for them. Use a throw bag if you have one. Get them to a warm place immediately, remove the wet clothes and put dry ones on. Use an emergency blanket if you have one. If far away from help build a lean-to, light a fire and cover them to keep warm and dry off. Remember they’re going to get colder immediately when they are out of the water. Freezing and frostbite are serious matters.
Survival
Don’t panic if you’re lost or broken down. Stay together, use emergency food rations and melt snow for water. Make a shelter (lean-to) and build a fire. Use flares, whistles, or signs in the snow.
References:
The Safe Snowmobiler, The Newfoundland Safety Council, St. John’s, NF
LifeSaving Society Recommended Minimum Ice Thickness Cards
How to Get Someone Out of Hot Water if They Fall Through Thin Ice, Canadian Red Cross
Society Water Safety Program
The Safe Snowmobiler, Canada Safety Council
SledSmart Program, LifeSaving Society of Canada
corporate sponsor |
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© 2000