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IDNR
Offers Snowmobile Safety Tips as Snow Falls
Snowmobile
Safety Classes Offered
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[December 07, 2007]
SPRINGFIELD -- As the snow
begins to fall throughout the state this winter, the Illinois
Department of Natural Resources is reminding snowmobile enthusiasts
to keep safety in mind before, during and after a ride.
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 "Snowmobiling is a safe sport, if done properly and with respect,"
said IDNR Acting Director Sam Flood. "Considerable snowfall near the
end of the 2006-2007 snowmobile season resulted in increased
activity and an increased number of accidents. Last year, three of
the 19 reported snowmobile accidents resulted in fatalities."In
most instances, being alert, knowing the trail and traveling at a
reasonable rate of speed for trail conditions can prevent most
accidents. In North America, more than 50 percent of snowmobile
fatalities involve intoxicated operators.
While IDNR encourages everyone to take a snowmobile safety class
before their first ride of the season, state law requires that
people at least 12 years of age and less than 16 years must have in
possession a valid Snowmobile Safety Education Certificate of
Competency issued by DNR in order to operate a snowmobile alone. For
snowmobile safety information and a list of upcoming snowmobile
classes, see
www.dnr.state.il.us/safety/snowmobile.htm.
Current snowmobile safety education courses require students to
attend an eight-hour class where certified instructors teach basic
safety principles, maintenance, operation, winter survival,
regulations and a proper attitude of respect for others and the
environment.
Basic safety tips for safe snowmobiling:
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Know your equipment
and make sure the equipment is in proper working order.
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Wear sensible,
protective clothing designed for snowmobiling, like a full-size
helmet, goggles or face shield to prevent injuries from twigs,
stones, ice chips and flying debris.
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Avoid wearing long
scarves. They may get caught in moving parts of the snowmobile.
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Know the terrain
you are going to ride. If the route is unfamiliar to you, ask
someone who has traveled over it before. Be aware of trails or
portions of trails that may be closed.
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Drowning is one
cause of snowmobile fatalities. When not familiar with the
thickness of the ice or water currents, avoid these areas.
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Know the weather
forecast and especially the ice and snow conditions in the area.
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Always use the
buddy system. Never ride alone or unaccompanied.
Reminder to riders and hikers: A minimum of 4 inches of snow
cover must be present for snowmobile use on state-managed property.
Please call ahead to site offices to get the latest snow conditions
and trail closures at individual sites. For a list of site offices,
visit
www.dnr.state.il.us.
Portions of the I&M Canal snowmobile trail remain closed due to a
washout. The five-mile section of trail between Buffalo Rock State
Park, Ottawa, and Utica is closed, as is the five-mile section from
5-Mile Bridge near Morris to Seneca. Ignoring these closures can
result in a minimum $75 fine and possible arrest.
[Text from
Illinois
Department of Natural Resources
file received from
the
Illinois Office of
Communication and Information]
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