Snowmobile Safety

I just interviewed Rolland Thibeaultt, the man who keeps Zenwaiter operational, but we talked about sled accidents, not hard drives!

Rolland is a veteran ambulance technician and a volounteer fireman, and also the C/O of the local branch of Cadets at St-Michel-des-Saints. In short, my friend Rolland is a very valuable man in our community.

I interviewed Rolland about snowmobile safety, a task he performed for 20 years.

snowmobile safety

Snowmobile Safety

Sled safe

snowmobile accidents

snowmobile accident photos

Okay, here's the deal. I do not have the heart to write this story. I guess I am just not a hard boiled reporter after all.

I interviewed this twenty year veteran on the topic of sled accidents. What I learned would not be good for the local tourism business, or for the snowmobile industry, and should not be repeated here on Zenwaiter, unless Zenwaiter wants to get run out of town on a rail.

However, as you know my faithful American reader, Zenwaiter does not buckle to local threats, because he writes for YOU. (Yeah right..)

But there's another thing. I simply don't have the heart to give you all the nasty details that Rolland recounted to me. The stuff he told me made the hair on the back of my neck stand on end. Perhaps this little article can actually have more impact by simply stating the following...

You are not bulletproof.

Trees are very hard, even at thirty miles per hour.

In Canada, Americans pay CASH
for health care and ambulance rides.

SPEED DOES INDEED KILL.

The speed limit here is 70 KM, not 80 MPH.

The cops ARE on the trails this year.

Helmets protect your head from branches, but not trees.

Helicopter medivac is hard to get in some areas, and slow.

Last year approximately 25 people died on snowmobiles in Quebec.

Drinking alcohol does not help your skill level.

Some people do NOT stay right in a curve.

But most of all,
your family needs you
and wants you home in one piece.

I hate to preach, and this topic is such a downer that I didn't want to say anything at all, but if this article can save one life this winter, all my efforts on ZW will have been crowned with the ultimate high in the human experience, saving a life. Ride slower, ride safer, and ride smarter this winter. zw

Snowmobile Safety Tips

(admitedly, I stolr this from an excellent site, much better than ZW!!! Its a guy in Manitoba, CLEAN web site...and very good writing, not like me!)

I reccommend you print this list out, and then read over it before riding.
Good brain food for sure. zw

111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111

Defensive Driving

Always be alert of potential danger. Your helmet and engine noise can impair your hearing. Visability is also reduced in conditions of snowfall, blowing snow and night driving. Never assume what another snowmobiler will do. Do all that you can to ensure your safety and that of other riders. Expect the unexpected!

Watch out for:
· Thin ice and open water
· Grooming equipment
· Oncoming snowmobiles
· Unforeseen obstacles beneath snow
· Unexpected corners, intersections and stops
· Road and railway crossings
· Logging/Forestry operations
· Snow banks and drifting snow
· Trees and branches on the trail
· Bridges and approaches
· Wildlife and domestic animals
· Other trail users ( skiers, hikers )

DON'T DRINK AND RIDE

1. Snowmobiling requires alertness, caution and attention. Your reaction time and ability to control your sled can be drastically affected after consuming even small amounts of alcohol. Alcohol can affect perception, reaction time, and response to unexpected situations. Alcohol is involved in over 70% of snowmobiling fatalities.

2. Alcohol increases your susceptibility to cold and hypothermia. Snowmobilers often have access to remote locations miles away from help. If a situation should occur where help is needed, your chances of survival and treatment of injury can be greatly affected. Don't let alcohol be a contributing factor to your fate.

3. Operating your sled under the influence of alcohol is punishable under the Criminal Code of Canada. The Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) Act now mirrors the Highway Traffic Act. If convicted of driving a snowmobile while impaired, you will lose all driving privileges (car, truck, motorcycle, off-road vehicles and snowmobiles). Therefore if you drink and ride both your driver's licence and insurability are at risk.

4. COPs On Snow is a non-confrontational patrol of volunteers acting as the eyes and ears of the law. They are on the trail to offer assistance to the snowmobiling public by distributing maps and brochures. They will also document any infractions they may witness to raise awareness to the need for increased enforcement upon our trails. In the event they see a situation potentially dangerous to other trail users they will alert the local police agency to request apprehension. This program will continue to expand into more communities throughout Manitoba.

Night Riding
A disproportionate number of snowmobiling incidents, including nine out of ten fatalities, occur after dark.

Forward visibility is reduced by darkness and it is much more difficult to spot and identify potential hazards in time. Overdriving headlights can also be a serious problem, so slow down when snowmobiling after dark. Becoming disoriented or lost is much more likely at night. Ride with individuals familiar with the area.

Always wear outer clothing with reflective trim on the arms, back and helmet. Never ride alone at night. Always dress in your full snowmobiling outfit even if your intended destination is just next door.

Be certain that all lights are operational and keep in mind that hand signals become increasingly more difficult to see as darkness sets in.

Ice Riding
Drowning is one of the leading causes of snowmobile fatalities. Wherever possible, avoid riding on frozen lakes and rivers because ice conditions are never guaranteed. Ice conditions can change in a period of several hours. If you must cross ice, ask first, then stay on the packed or marked trail. Don't stop until you reach shore. If you hit slush, don't let off the throttle. If you are following someone who hits slush, veer off to make your own path. If you must travel over lakes and rivers then consider using a buoyant snowmobile suit which will assist you to reach the closest ice surface. Also consider carrying a set of picks which will help you grip the edge of the ice more easily. As a rule of thumb, "If you don't know, don't go."

If you do break through the ice, don't panic. Follow these self rescue tips:
* Kick vigorously into a horizontal position and swim to the nearest ice edge. Place hands/arms on unbroken ice while kicking hard to propel your body onto the ice, like a seal.
* Once clear, stay flat and roll away to stronger ice.
* Stand, keep moving and find shelter fast.

For more information on ice safety and rescue, contact the Lifesaving Society at 204-956-2124 and ask for a copy of their ice manual.

Hypothermia
This is the lowering of the body's core temperature. It can happen in water or on land. Hypothermia does not require extreme cold and accelerates with wind and wetness. Dressing warmly in water resistant layers helps, but if immersed, quickly replace wet clothes, keep moving to generate body heat, and find immediate shelter and warmth.

Snow Blindness
This occurs when direct and reflecting sun glare are too bright for the eyes. Riding without good quality, UV protected sunglasses, goggles or visor can cause permanent damage.

Frostbite
Frostbite results from freezing temperatures and poor circulation. Most common on extremities and exposed skin, it can be identified by unnaturally white and numb skin surrounded by harsh red colouring. Cover up and layer well, making sure that socks fit loosely within your boots. And remember mitts with liners are warmer than gloves.

Wind Chill
Wind chill is lower temperature caused by wind and/or the forward momentum of a fast moving sled. Wind chill exposes you to severe cold which in turn can cause hypothermia. Wind-proof outer garments, extra layers and a balaclava will offer some protection, but keep your face shield down to prevent wind burn and to protect your skin and eyes.

Dressing Properly
With high tech winter wear and proper layering, winter comfort is easy. Start with polypropylene and thermal under layers that releases moisture while retaining heat. Add other heat retentive layers depending on the temperature. Also consider the fact that your forward motion will add to the wind chill factor. Avoid cottons and sweat shirts which retain moisture, making you cold and clammy which may lead to hypothermia.

Good snowmobile wear contains materials that retain heat, release moisture and resist both water and wind. Even better, try to find suits that are water and wind proof. Consider wearing a buoyant snowmobile suit if you plan on traveling across ice as it will assist in keeping you afloat but most of all help to protect you against hypothermia. Snowmobile suits should have reflective trim for increased visibility during night riding. Carry extra clothing, socks and mitts for layering. A helmet and face shield combat cold and hazards, while waterproof, insulated boots and leather snowmobile mitts provide warmth and protection.

Snowmobile Repair Kit

You can easily snowmobile beyond immediate help so basic repair kits are essential.

The kit should contain:
* spare belt
* spare spark plugs
* manufacturer's tool kit
* extra wrenches
* nuts & bolts sized for your sled
* tow rope
* pry bar
* duct tape
* wire
* jack-knife

A cellular phone can be a terrific asset if trouble arises, but bear in mind that cell phones have limited service range.

Snowmobile safety.

(fron the American Council of Snowmobile Associations)

Snowmobiling Safety
Machine Safety

A comprehensive snowmobile machine safety standards program is sponsored by the Snowmobile Safety and Certification Committee (SSCC), a non-profit organization interested in safe snowmobiling. In 1981, the SSCC received the U.S. National Safety Council's 'Distinguished Service to Safety" Award for its effective work in improving the safety of snowmobiling.

Under the SSCC machine safety standards program, snowmobiles are certified by an independent testing company as being in compliance with all SSCC safety standards.

The SSCC independent certification program covers every vital component of the snowmobile; electrical, lighting and brake systems; alternate starting system; emergency control; brake and throttle controls; fuel system; reflectors; handgrips; seat; shields and guards. The SSCC standard sets maximum permission sound levels of no more than 78dB(A) at 50 feet when the snowmobiling is traveling at full throttle and no more than 73 dB(A) at 50 feet when the snowmobile is traveling at 15 mph.

The SSCC standard exceeds state government standards in all snowbelt states. Under Transport Canada regulations, all new snowmobiles sold in Canada since 1987 are required to meet the current SSCC standards.

The Compliance of a snowmobile with the SSCC standard is indicated by the SSCC's black and white certification label, which is generally placed on the right rear tunnel of the machine. These labels are distributed to the manufacturers only after an independent testing laboratory determines that the model is in compliance with the SSCC standard.

Operator Education

Most provinces and states offer snowmobile operator safety-training programs. Many state and provinces have mandatory training courses for youths and under-age drivers. Programs throughout North America can be obtained by contacting your state or province organization. Through these programs, millions of individuals have received formal safety training.

The International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association, supported by the industry, promotes safe snowmobiling through the Safe Riders! You Make Snowmobiling Safe campaign. The international effort outlines safety guidelines that must be observed while snowmobiling. FREE information available for use and distribution in promoting safety and assisting in safety education classes are as follows:

22 minute safety video titled "Safe Riders, You Make Snowmobiling Safe" - This video features key safety issues and areas of rider responsibility explained and presented in an easy to understand fashion.
Safe Riders! Safety Brochures - Discusses key areas of snowmobiling safety.
Safety Decals
Safe Riders! Posters - These include a variety of posters such as a logo poster and position posters discussing key issues of the safety campaign (i.e.: alcohol and riding don't mix, always check local ice conditions).
Video Public Service Announcements - Four TV production quality public service announcement videos covering key safety issues within the snowmobile community.
Radio Public Service Announcements - are broadcast ready.
Additional information is available through the ISMA we site at www.snowmobile.org.
For the past 6 years, the snowmobile community, lead by the snowmobile administrators and state and provincial associations have sponsored the International Snowmobile Safety Week. Working in partnership with the manufacturers, the organizations have published a Safety Week manual that is used to assist clubs and other organizations sponsor safety related activities, classes, and awareness weeks. Most states and provinces have safety week recognized by their chief public policy leaders and proclamations recognizing the importance of snowmobiling and snowmobile safety done annually in conjunction with International Snowmobile Safety Week. Safety Week is historically held the third week in January and manuals are available from the ISMA office free of charge.

Provincial and state safety education programs include classroom instruction and sometimes field instruction. Snowmobile instruction courses are taught by specially trained volunteer teachers. The courses cover the topics of maintenance and machine operation, proper riding positions, proper clothing, terrian, weather and wind conditions, environmental awareness, skill, courtesy, judgment and common sense.

Provincial and state operator training programs are often funded with snowmobile registration fees or user fees.

Clubs and school systems are also engaged in safety education campaigns. More than one million copies of the Snowmobiler's Safety Handbook, published by the Snowmobile Safety and Certification Committee, have been distributed to snowmobile enthusiasts throughout North America.

Sno Pro is a computer-based interactive snowmobile safety tutorial that has been developed by CCSO/CCOM. Information on this program can be obtained by contacting them or any provincial organization.

Trail Safety

Inadequate riding and trail facilities increase the risk of snowmobile safety related incidents. Just a few of the risks include: cable and guide wires, fences, barbed wire, unsafe ice and ice ridges, hidden rocks, tree stumps, low hanging branches and other obstacles. Well designed, signed and maintained trails and riding areas not only provide enjoyable recreational snowmobiling opportunities but have been proven to significantly reduce the likelihood of a snowmobiler being injured. Safe trails and use areas remain a top priority and concern of the snowmobile community.

Statistics indicate that only approximately 10-15% of snowmobile incidents occur on well maintained and designed trails where as much as 80-90% of all snowmobile riding takes place.

MORE ON SAFETY

Across a special part of North America, summer weather is uncertain but winter always brings snow. More than 10 million people look forward to that blanket of white and the pleasures of enjoying the outdoors on snowmobiles.

Many things make snowmobiling fun: the breathtaking beauty of a snow-filled woods, field or mountain; the precision performance of a well-designed machine; the satisfaction of traversing the winter landscape with friends and family.

Yes, snowmobilers savor the winter world, and that calls for extra responsibility. Training, experience and awareness are all traits of the accomplished snowmobiler. You are the "Safe Riders! You make snowmobiling safe.™"

Snowmobiling is fun, but it's work, too. It challenges the body and mind, and that's part of the reason you're so relaxed at the end of a day of snowmobiling. While you are riding, the wind, sun, glare, cold, vibration, motion and other factors work together to affect both driver and passenger.

Yes, there's plenty of challenge awaiting you as you drive your snowmobile into the winter wonderland. Alcohol magnifies and distorts those challenges and can quickly turn an enjoyable outing into a situation that's hazardous for you and others.

Alcohol and snowmobiling

simply, do not mix.Forget that myth that alcohol warms up a chilled person. It opens the blood vessels and removes the feeling of chill, but it does nothing to increase body heat. Instead, it can increase the risk of hypothermia, a dangerous lowering of the body's core temperature. With alcohol, you may only feel warmer, while your body chills dangerously.

Alcohol increases fatigue, fogs your ability to make good decisions, and slows your reaction time. It's part of a formula for disaster. And don't forget - MOST STATES AND PROVINCES HAVE LAWS PROHIBITING THE OPERATION OF A SNOWMOBILE WHILE UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL.

As a Safe Rider, you:

Know your abilities and don't go beyond them;
Know your machine's capabilities and don't push beyond them.
Know your riding area. Get a map. Talk to the local folks.

Learn more - reading manuals and other materials from manufacturers, administrators and snowmobile associations, or watch videos or computer programs from these sources. Snowmobile clubs, state and provincial associations offer courses, information and activities. Many members are certified driving and/or safety instructors.

Keep your machine in top shape
You have two good guides available for snowmobile maintenance: the owner's manual that came with it and your dealer. Consult both to make sure your machine is kept in top form for dependable, enjoyable fun.

Your local club or association may also conduct safety and maintenance programs.

Before each ride, follow the "pre-op" check outlined in your owner's manual.

Follow the rules
Regulations on sled registration and use are different in various parts of the snow belt. Check with natural resource and law enforcement agencies and snowmobile dealers or clubs in the area you are visiting to make sure your ride results in legal and hassle-free snowmobiling.
Remember, to, that some states and provinces have age restrictions for snowmobile operation, often requiring that children are supervised by adults.

Safe Crossing
Be careful when crossing roads of any kind. Come to a complete stop and make absolutely sure no traffic is approaching from any direction. Then cross at a right angle to traffic.

Dress Appropriately
Wear layers of clothing, so that you can add or remove a layer or two to match changing conditions. A windproof outer layer is especially important, as are warm gloves or mitts, boots and a helmet.
Make sure your helmet is safety-certified, the right size and in good condition. A visor is essential for clear vision and wind protection and the chin strap should be snug.
Wear glasses or goggles that offer protection from the sun.

Think Ahead
Remember, it's you, the Safe Rider, that makes snowmobiling safe. Many problems will be avoided by using common sense. Minor problems can be overcome by carrying a useful tool kit, spare parts, flashlight, first-aid kit, and a few survival items such as high energy food, fire starting equipment and a compass.

Take It Easy
Today's snowmobile is a mechanical marvel. It provides inspiring performance, reliability and pleasing aesthetics, combined with essential safety design and components.
Safe Riders drive within the limits of their machine and their abilities.
Remember, speed is not the measure of snowmobiling fun. You should always ride at a speed in which you can stop within your line of sight. Slow down and enjoy the scenery and the experience. Ease up on the throttle especially when near other machines, people, trees, animals and other objects. It's good sense - and it's the law.

Take a Friend
Don't snowmobile alone. Not only is snowmobiling more fun with family and friends, it's safer too!

File A Plan
Airplane pilots and boaters file flight and float plans, respectively, so that others know where to look if they're overdue.
"Snow plans" describing your machine and your planned route can be time- and life-savers. Leave only with your family or friends.
Like those who file travel plans, always let your family and friends know you're back or have arrived at your destination. No one likes needless searches.

A Good Turn
Other snowmobilers and car drivers need to know what you're up to. Remember the basic hand signals:
Left Turn: left arm extended straight out
Right Turn: left arm out, forearm raised, with elbow at 90-degree angle
Stop: left arm raised straight up
Slow: left arm out and angled toward ground

Take Care of the Trail
SAFE RIDERS snowmobile to enjoy the outdoors. They treat it with respect.
They wait for enough snow cover to protect vegetation
They avoid running over trees and shrubs.
They appreciate, but don't disturb animals or other outdoor users.

Take The Honorable Trail
Beautiful trail systems and riding areas are available throughout North America. Stay safe and legal within the areas that you are permitted to ride or those for which you've obtained permission.

Stay Alert
Focusing on the tail light of the snowmobile ahead of you is the cause of many accidents. If your eyes are fixed on the tail light, you are not likely to notice the slight turn the machine ahead makes to avoid collision or the object that was almost hit.
After snowmobiling for several hours, your reaction time slows. Be aware that even though you may not feel tired, the motion, wind and vibration of the machine may begin to dull your senses.

Beware Of Darkness
Low-light and darkness require special care. Slow down and watch for others. Overcast days require extra caution.
Don't over drive your headlights. Ask yourself, "Am I driving slow enough to see an object in time to avoid a collision?"
At night on lakes and large open fields, estimating distances and direction of travel may become difficult. It is important to keep some point of reference when riding at night.

Beware Of Water
The safest snowmobiling rule is never to cross lakes or rivers. Besides the danger of plunging through the ice, you have far less traction for starting, turning and stopping on ice than on snow.

Collisions on lakes account for a significant number of accidents. Don't hold the attitude that lakes are flat, wide open areas, free of obstructions.

Remember, if you can ride and turn in any direction, without boundaries, so can other riders. The threat of a collision, then, can come from any direction.
However, if you do snowmobile on the ice, make absolutely sure the ice is safely frozen.

Don't trust the judgement of other snowmobilers. You are responsible for your own safe snowmobiling. Drowning is a leading cause of snowmobile fatalities. Consider buying a buoyant snowmobile suit. If you go through the ice, remember that your snowmobile suit (even a non-buoyant one) and helmet may keep you afloat for several minutes. Slide back onto the ice, using anything sharp to dig in for better pull. Kick your feet to propel you onto the ice, like a seal.
If the ice keeps breaking, continue moving toward shore or the direction from which you came. Don't remove your gloves or mitts. Once on the ice, roll away from the hole. Don't stand until well away from the hole.

Mountain Measures
Even if we don't live near mountains, many of us want to visit the Cascades, Adirondacks, Rockies or other mountains someday. Mountain snowmobiling is spectacular but can pose extra dangers, such as avalanches. Some avalanche areas may be posted and closed.

Be cautious of avalanche dangers throughout mountain country. Riding in these areas should only be done after receiving proper mountain riding training. Mountain snowmobilers should carry avalanche beacons, shovels, probe poles for locating people buried in snow and a portable radio to summon help.

Carry-Through
Just because you've parked the sled for the day, don't rest your Safe Rider good sense. If after-snowmobile activities include drinking alcohol, select a non-drinking designated driver for auto travel. That will help keep everyone alive and in good shape for that next snowmobile outing!

Join A Club
There are thousands of snowmobile clubs scattered throughout snow country, with associations or federations in every state and province.

Clubs sponsor outings and events year-around, monitor legislation and speak up in public hearings. They also hold safety and maintenance workshops, build and care for trails and publish newsletters.

Clubs can help law enforcement agencies and many raise funds for charity. For maximum snowmobiling fun - join a club! They are the backbone of the sport.

This article comes to you from the ISMA, go see their site for more good snowmobile information. zw