Snowmobile Safety Blog

This time last year, as we were getting into the spirit of International Snowmobile Safety Week, we noticed something important was missing. Snow! Across North America, last year was one of the least snowy in recent memory.

Thankfully, it looks like things have turned around on the snowfall front and 2013 is shaping up to be a great year for riding.

Most snowmobile accidents featured on the news seem to involve a trip across a frozen lake/river gone wrong. With International Snowmobile Safety Week now coming to a close, it's a good time to review some recent statistics about serious snowmobile accidents.

It should not come as a big surprise that drinking has been linked to many serious snowmobile accidents over the years. But the annual fatality and accident reports issued by state agencies drive this point home. It being International Snowmobile Safety Week, we thought this would be a good time to look at the numbers and see the difference a few drinks can make.

We could go on and on about snowmobile safety, but we’ll focus on a couple of things that will hopefully help you get home safe and sound. We should all know by now that you shouldn’t mix snowmobiling with drugs or alcohol so we won’t harp on this issue too much.

When it comes to dealing with hills on a snowmobile, it will help to read our previous installment on riding positions (link). Attacking a big climb can be the highlight of your day, but you’ve got to know how to position your body and handle your sled.

It may seem simple but knowing how to best position your body when riding can make your day on the trails a whole lot more enjoyable. Just because a snowmobile has a seat doesn’t mean you should always be using it. The terrain you’re tackling will often require you to alter your riding position for comfort and visibility.

A fun-filled winter of snowmobiling is great for you, but your machine can take a beating. If you take proper care to maintain your snowmobile it will reward you with years of good service. If your snowmobile has been sitting around all summer and fall, you can’t simply jump on and ride as soon as the snow falls.

Before you even turn a key on your snowmobile you should already be familiar with your machine. Much like a car, specific terms are used to describe the various parts of the snowmobile. Knowing the names of these parts and their functions will be useful in any number of ways.