With snow season in full swing, many people will now be hitting the powder with their snowmobile. And with that comes our cautionary tales and safety warnings. We know this can be a little boring at times and maybe you’d rather not have another person telling you to be careful on your snowmobile, but the fact is safety is just as important on a snowmobile in the soft powder as it is when riding an ATV over rocky terrain. It can be about the gear you wear and how you ride, but following all safety rules as often as you can is important not only for your health but to keep the fun going no matter how long you’re on the trails.
Here at Bright Powersports, we’ve provided some of the basic safety measures you should be taking before every ride, whether it’s for fun or for work. You should also make sure your snowmobile regularly visits a professional mechanic for maintenance and repairs. When that time comes, stop by our location in Lincoln Park, Michigan, just outside of Detroit.
Before you even get on your snowmobile, you’ll want to make sure you’re wearing all the right safety gear. Start with layering your clothes, so you can remove a layer if you get hot. Long underclothing, thick shirt, and insulated vest are a great combination to keep you warm. The outermost layer should be wind- and waterproof, which should include snow pants over your regular trousers.
You’ll also want to make sure you’re wearing a helmet. Not only can a helmet protect you should you get thrown from the sled, but it also protects you from debris that gets kicked up and may be hanging down. If your helmet doesn’t come with a full-face shield, invest in some goggles to protect your eyes, preferably ones that come with anti-fog coating and UV-ray protection.
Make sure you’re prepared for any mechanical issues on your trip. A basic toolkit and some spare parts, like a belt, will help you get back on the road should you have a minor breakdown. Finally, you’ll want plenty of water to keep you hydrated.
First and foremost, if it’s too dangerous to go out, then don’t go out. Check the forecast the morning before you head out on your snowmobile. You don’t want to find yourself caught in a storm when you’re far from help. Also before you head out, let someone know where you intend to be and for how long. This way, someone will know to contact authorities if something goes wrong.
Always avoid alcohol and recreational drugs when you ride. In fact, you’ll want to avoid consuming any substance that impairs your judgment and could lead to an accident, so if you’re taking any prescriptions, check with your doctor to make sure it’s safe to ride your sled while using your medications.
As much as you should avoid ice, sometimes it’s impossible. If you run into a patch of ice you can’t possibly go around, try to find spots that are thicker or have already been established as safe by other riders. And keep in mind that the center of a patch of ice will be thinner than the edges and if the temperature has been warming up, don’t travel on ice.
While we’d like to think you’ll never need to use this information, it’s better to be prepared and know what to do if you break through the ice. First, abandon your sled, as it’ll only pull you down, and get to the surface. Kick your legs out horizontally until you reach the nearest ice ledge. Place both hands on the edge and pull one leg up at a time. Roll away from the breakthrough to thicker ice without standing up. Standing up will focus all your weight on a much smaller surface area and you risk another breakthrough. As soon as you’re on safe, thick ground, remove your clothing and perform calisthenics, or exercises that get your blood flowing like push-ups, squats, and jumping jacks, quickly followed by making a fire. Never sit in cold, wet clothes.
While there are certainly snowmobiling dangers you should be prepared for, most of the time you’ll just be focused on the excitement of the ride and generally having a good time. As long as you’re prepared for the occasional crisis, you’ll have nothing to worry about. If you’re still looking for the perfect snowmobile, then stop by Bright Powersports in Lincoln Park, Michigan, near Detroit and check out our snowmobile inventory.
