|
 “It’s important that snowmobile operators carefully
review their safety checklist before hitting the trails this
winter,” said Jeff Hopkins, IDNR Safety Education Administrator.
“Accidents are often preventable if snowmobile drivers and riders
take reasonable and proper precautions.”
Basic safety tips for safe snowmobiling include:
-
Never consume alcohol or drugs before or during a
ride.
-
Know your equipment, and make sure that equipment
is in proper working order.
-
Wear sensible, protective clothing designed for
snowmobiling, including a full-size helmet, goggles, or face
shield to prevent injuries from twigs, stones, ice chips, and
flying debris.
-
Avoid wearing long scarves, which may get caught
in moving parts of the snowmobile.
-
Know the terrain you are going to ride.
-
Be aware of trails or portions of trails that may
be closed.
-
Drowning is one cause of snowmobile fatalities;
when not familiar with the body of water or thickness of the
ice, avoid these areas.
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column] |
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Know the weather forecast, and especially the
ice and snow conditions in the area.
-
Always use the buddy system and never ride
alone or unaccompanied.
-
Be careful when crossing roads; come to a
complete stop and make sure no traffic is approaching from
any direction.
-
Travel at a reasonable rate of speed for
visibility and conditions.
“In most instances, knowing the trail and traveling
at a reasonable rate of speed for trail conditions can prevent
accidents,” Hopkins said. “Staying alert and sober is a must.
Unfortunately, far too many accidents involve impaired operators,
resulting in injuries and fatalities.”
Snowmobile safety information is available on the IDNR website at
https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/s
afety/Pages/SnowmobileSafety.aspx
[Illinois Office of Communication and
Information] |
