Think safety as snowmobile season begins in Illinois
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[January 04, 2013]
SPRINGFIELD -- The Illinois
Department of Natural Resources is reminding snowmobile operators
and riders to take extra caution this year when snow falls in
Illinois. Every year throughout the state, people are seriously
injured or lose their lives on snowmobiles. Many of these accidents
could have been prevented if reasonable and proper precautions had
been taken.
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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.
Last season (2011-2012) in Illinois, 11 reported snowmobile
accidents resulted in three fatalities.
"It doesn't matter what your intentions are before you set out to
ride. If you aren't prepared and using common sense, accidents can
happen," said Illinois Conservation Police Chief Rafael Gutierrez.
"Most snowmobile accidents or fatalities we see could have
absolutely been prevented had safety been practiced before and
during the ride."
While IDNR encourages everyone to take a snowmobile safety class
before their first ride of the season, state law requires that
individuals 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 IDNR in order to operate a snowmobile alone.
While traditional instructor-led safety courses administered by
the IDNR have already taken place for the season, snowmobilers can
also satisfy state safety requirements by taking one of two online
courses to become familiar with safe sledding practices or to
refresh themselves on staying safe. Individuals can earn legal
safety certification through either
www.snowmobilecourse.com
or www.snowmobile-ed.com.
Both courses are administered by private companies and do charge a
fee.
Basic safety tips for safe
snowmobiling
-
Know your
equipment and make sure the equipment is in proper working
order.
-
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.
-
Avoid wearing long
scarves. They may get caught in moving parts of the snowmobile.
-
Know the terrain you are going to ride.
If the area 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 those areas.
-
Know the weather
forecast and especially the ice and snow conditions in the area.
-
Always use the
buddy system. Never ride alone or unaccompanied.
-
Travel at a reasonable rate of speed
for your visibility conditions.
Snowmobile accidents and fatalities
by year
Season |
Reported
accidents |
Fatalities |
2007-2008 |
66 accidents
reported |
7 fatal |
2008-2009 |
39 accidents
reported |
3 fatal |
2009-2010 |
37 accidents
reported |
1 fatal |
2010-2011 |
47 accidents
reported |
1 fatal |
Last season |
11 accidents reported |
3 fatal |
Reminder to riders and hikers
A minimum of 4 inches of snow cover must be present for
snowmobile use on state-managed property. Call ahead to site offices
to get the latest snow conditions and trail closures at individual
sites. Ignoring these closures can result in a minimum $75 fine and
possible arrest. For a list of site offices, visit the IDNR website
at
http://dnr.state.il.us/lands/landmgt/parks/.
___
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[Text from
Illinois Department of
Natural Resources
file received from
the
Illinois Office of
Communication and Information]
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