9 tips for snowmobiling safety

By Insure.com

For some, the wonder of making snowmen and having snowball fights wears thin, and they turn to more adventurous winter activities, like snowmobiling.

To help you prepare for your gas-powered trip across the snow-covered wilderness, we've compiled a list of nine safety tips recommended by the International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association and the American Council of Snowmobile Associations.

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• Know the law. Laws and regulations for snowmobiling vary from state to state, but registering your snowmobile is now required in every state. Some states also require trail permits and/or wearing helmets. Some, but not all, states permit riding on roads or in the ditches next to them. Make sure you know and obey the laws wherever you ride.
• Don't drink and drive. Alcohol consumption slows your reaction time, hampers your ability to make good decisions and increases your risk of hypothermia. States have varying limits for alcohol consumption while operating a snowmobile. Most are 0.08 or 0.1. In most jurisdictions, operators can be cited and spend time in jail for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. While you don't need car insurance to drive a snowmobile, a DUI conviction will send your car insurance rates through the roof (assuming you own a car and have car insurance).
• Always dress appropriately. Always wear a safety-certified helmet, even when it is not required by law, and preferably one with a visor to help you see while driving. Also, wear layers of clothing to protect your body, including a windproof outer layer so that you can easily adjust to changing weather conditions. Frostbite can be drastically reduced when wearing the proper riding apparel.
• Maintain your snowmobile. Make sure that your snowmobile is properly maintained. When snowmobile season is approaching, you should perform a full check of your machine to ensure everything is in proper working order. A certified mechanic should repair any items in need of repair. Before each ride, make sure that you follow the checklist in your owner's manual. Nothing can ruin an outing faster than mechanical problems, especially when you know it could have been prevented.
• Be prepared. Despite your best efforts, accidents and breakdowns will happen. Plan ahead. When you go out for a ride, always bring a first-aid kit and a few survival items. That includes a flashlight with spare batteries, tool kit, knife, compass, flares, fire starting kit and some high-energy food. A GPS (global positioning system) could be helpful in emergency situations. Add more items to the list for long or overnight snowmobile trips.
• Don't ride alone. Not only is snowmobiling more fun with friends and family, it's safer, too. It is recommended that you should always use the buddy system. If you do choose to ride alone, always let someone know you are riding alone, where you are going and when you will be back. Be sure you have your tool kit, emergency kit and personal items with you before you ride out.
• File a plan. Always make sure one of your friends or family members knows where you're going and the time you expect to arrive. "Snow plans" like this can prove invaluable for searchers in case you get lost or hurt on your ride.
• Be aware of the conditions. Listen to weather forecast before you leave. Don't forget that snowmobiling in the dark, over frozen rivers and lakes and in the mountains all require extra care. Make sure you're aware of any additional problems you might encounter while riding in these conditions and how to avoid them.
• Be courteous and careful. Always make sure that you signal your intentions to other snowmobilers and any other drivers around you. Be especially careful crossing streets. If a road is suitable for snowmobiling, cars may have difficulty slowing or stopping.

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