With the snowmobile riding season already underway in most parts of the province, the Saskatchewan Safety Council encourages everyone across the province to have a safe snowmobile season.
The winter season can bring with it some hazardous and risky situations for snowmobilers. With freezing and thawing, thin ice is a major risk for snowmobilers early on. Riders should be particularly aware of freshly fallen snow which can hide thin ice and cause ditches, rocks, branches, drainage pipes and depressions to be covered.
Peter Huebner, chief snowmobile instructor with the Saskatchewan Safety Council, recommends all riders become familiar with the terrain early in the season to prevent needless accidents from happening.
"Most of what we call accidents, really aren't," says Huebner. "With caution and foresight, you can eliminate a good nine out of 10 of them."
The council offers basic tips for a safe and enjoyable snowmobile season:
Never ride alone. In case of an emergency it is essential to have someone there for help.
Wear proper snowmobile gear including a helmet.
Take extra precautions when riding in unfamiliar terrain.
Don't drink and ride. Alcohol is the cause of almost 70 per cent of all snowmobile incidents.
Use groomed snowmobile trails to prevent accidents from happening. There are over 10,000 km of groomed trails in Saskatchewan.
Be careful when crossing roads, highways and railway tracks. Always come to a complete stop before proceeding.
The legal speed limit for snowmobiles is 80 km/hour (50 miles/hour).
Remember all snowmobile operators born after Jan. 1, 1989 are required to take the Snowmobile Safety Course in order to operate a snowmobile on public land. Participants must be at least 12 years old to register for a course. The Saskatchewan Safety Council offers Snowmobile Safety Courses around the province from November through March. For more information on a course in your area please contact the Saskatchewan Safety Council at 306-757-3197.
