Tips for Safe Snowmobiling

January 13-19, 2019 is International Snowmobile Safety and Awareness Week. This is the perfect time to talk about smart snowmobiling habits so you can have a safe, fun time in the great outdoors all season long.

Below are a few safety tips to follow when you’re out on the trail:

·     Don’t drink and ride. You wouldn’t (or shouldn’t) drink and drive a car, and you shouldn’t consume alcohol if you’re going to operate a snowmobile. You need to keep your full attention on operating the machine. Drinking dulls your senses and reflexes, which increases the likelihood of an accident. Don’t put yourself or any other riders at risk—leave the alcohol at home. (Many states have laws prohibiting alcohol consumption when operating a snowmobile).

      Dress appropriately.  Like any sport or activity, wear the proper equipment for riding—suit, helmet with eye protection, gloves, and boots. You should also layer your regular clothing under the gear so you stay warm and dry.

Avoid private property.  When you get out on the trail, stay on designated snowmobiling paths only. If you venture onto private property, you could get cited for trespassing.  
   
Go slow. Speeding is the number one cause of snowmobiling accidents. It is recommended to keep your speed at or under 40 mph, especially at night. It’s also not advisable to cross bodies of water on a snowmobile, even if it appears to be frozen. You can never be sure of the ice’s thickness, and you have less control of your snowmobile on ice, so it’s harder to get and maintain traction on a slick surface.

      Don’t ride alone. Snowmobiling is better with multiple riders in a group. Not only is it more fun, but it’s easier to keep track of each other when you’re on the trail. It all comes back to having a safe, fun experience in nature.

Snowmobile insurance is another way to protect both yourself and your snowmobile. At ETA Insurance Group, we work with several carriers that offer plans for riders’ various needs and budgets. Contact us for more information about this valuable coverage and to learn more about the carriers we work with.

Are there any other tips you’d add to this list? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below!

What New Snowmobile Riders Should Know

Winter has officially arrived here on the East Coast! While the extreme cold has been a major problem for many of us (not to mention our heating systems!), when the temps get a little more seasonal, it’s the perfect time for some winter activities, like snowmobiling.

If you’re new to the sport, there are a few things you should know before you get ready to ride.   International Snowmobile Safety and Awareness week is January 20-28, 2018, so this is the perfect opportunity to talk about everything you’ll need for a safe and fun experience.

A snowmobile safety course is strongly recommended for brand-new riders so you can learn the basics of riding and how to take care of your machine.

Below are a few other tips for first-time snowmobilers to keep in mind.

Dress appropriately.  You want to dress for the weather, obviously, so pile on the layers to stay warm and dry. Besides your regular clothing, you should invest in appropriate snowmobile attire—suit, helmet with eye protection, waterproof gloves, heavy socks, and boots.  

Know your machine.  Just like a new car, get comfortable with your snowmobile before you even take it outside. Familiarize yourself with the control panel, adjust the seat, and get a general “feel” for everything—like the brakes!—before you turn it on and get moving.  Get used to controlling the machine and how it handles. Remember to turn with your whole body, and if you’re on ice, pump the brakes as you would when driving a car.

Go slow. You don’t have to break speed limits your first time out.  Take your time and get used to the machine—even if you’ve taken it for a test run, it will take a few rides before you’re totally comfortable with it.  It’s recommended that beginning riders follow worn trails rather than pass through fresh snow, where you might get stuck.

Be aware of your surroundings. Just like driving on a road, you should operate your snowmobile defensively. If you’re riding through the woods, wildlife might dart out at you. Stay calm and focused on what you’re doing; don’t get distracted by the deer or raccoon that might cross your path.

Are there any other safety tips you’d offer new snowmobile riders? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below!