IDNR reminds snowmobile operators to play it safe this winter
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[December
21, 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 and sober, 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
(2012-2013) in Illinois, 34 snowmobile accidents were reported, and
these resulted in three fatalities.
"Most snowmobile accidents or fatalities we see could have been
prevented had common sense and safety been practiced before and
during the ride," said Illinois Conservation Police Chief Rafael
Gutierrez. "It doesn't matter what your intentions are before you
set out to ride — if you aren't prepared, accidents are more likely
to happen."
While the Department of Natural Resources 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 their possession a valid
Snowmobile Safety Education Certificate of Competency issued by IDNR
in order to operate a snowmobile alone.
While most of the traditional instructor-led safety courses
administered by the IDNR have taken place this year, 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 they do
charge a fee to take the course.
Basic safety tips for snowmobiling
-
Never consume
alcohol before or during a ride.
-
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.
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-
Avoid wearing long
scarves, which may get caught in moving parts of the snowmobile.
-
Know the terrain
you are going to ride. If unfamiliar to you, ask someone who has
traveled over it before. Be aware of trails or portions of
trails that may be closed.
-
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 and conditions.
Snowmobile accidents and fatalities
by year
Season
|
Reported
accidents |
Fatalities |
2007-2008 |
66 |
7
|
2008-2009 |
39 |
3 |
2009-2010 |
37 |
1 |
2010-2011 |
47 |
1 |
2011-2012 |
13 |
3 |
2012-2013 |
34 |
3 |
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 $120 fine and possible arrest. For a list of
site offices, visit the IDNR website at
http://dnr.state.il.us/lands/landmgt/parks/.
[Text from
Illinois Department of
Natural Resources
file received from
the
Illinois Office of
Communication and Information]
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