Welcome
Welcome to The Snowmobile Zone
Snowmobiling was and is a popular winter past-time, but it seems to have lost some of it's appeal over the years, as a kid I remember about a third of the people I knew snowmobiled back in the 70's now almost no one I know snowmobiles. To an extent I think ATV's have taken away some of the snowmobiles thunder, just as they have virtually replaced the mini-bike and the dune buggy.
Avoiding
Snowmobile Crashes:
Safety Tips and avoiding Injuries
by john Maxim
There are approximately 13,000 reported injuries
due to
snowmobile accidents in the United States each year.
Additionally, there are over 100 deaths due to snowmobile
crashes each year. Some deaths are the result of the operator
being pinned under the vehicle, and over two-fifths of reported
deaths are the result of collisions with trees, other vehicles,
bridges, and wires. There are also deaths reported that are
caused by the vehicle entering water or falling through ice.
Here are some tips that will help ensure your safety while
operating a snowmobile:
Never ride a snowmobile alone or across unfamiliar territory.
Having a partner will provide an extra measure of safety in the
event of a breakdown or accident.
Ride only on established trails and clearly marked areas. Avoid
water and frozen lakes. It is impossible to judge the thickness
or depth of ice.
Watch the trail in front of you very closely. There could be
hidden rocks, barbed wire, or other obstacles in your path. You
should avoid operating a snowmobile in bad weather. Check for
warnings regarding snowstorms and rain before starting.
Always slow down at the top of a hill or snow bank. There could
be an unexpected hazard on the other side. Also, do not attempt
to jump or hurdle snow banks. You will only have control of
your snowmobile when the skis are firmly on the ground.
Take the time to learn the snowmobile laws and regulations for
the area you are in. Each state has its own requirements and
rules in regard to snowmobiles. Use common sense when
approaching roads or railroad tracks. Make sure you signal each
turn you make and watch for other vehicles. Control your speed
according the conditions in which you are riding.
Use extra caution if you are operating a snowmobile at night.
Unseen obstacles can be potentially fatal. Drive only as fast
as your headlights will allow you to see safely. Never attempt
to navigate new trails at night.
Do not operate a snowmobile while drinking. Numerous accidents
occur each year to due driving a snowmobile after consuming
alcohol. Make sure the vehicle you are driving has been
properly maintained and is in good operating condition.
Snowmobiling can be exciting and very safe if you observe the
proper precautions and use common sense while riding.
About The Author: John Maxim is an expert on outdoor fun
and
adventures. He can be found on the web at
http://www.ruralsnowmobile.com
Disclaimer
To the best
of our knowledge these are all from either the public domain or free to
use, and a link either has been or will soon be placed on our link page
whenever possible to credit the sources of the photos and tips.
If for some
reason we have inadvertantly placed a photo or image or article that is
not freely
available we will be glad to remove it upon request.
We hope you enjoy these photos and tips.