Safer Snowmobiling
Snowmobiling – now a $6 billion a year industry in North America – is quickly growing in popularity. Most riders are sensible. But why do 90 Canadians die every year in snowmobile incidents?
About three-quarters of snowmobile mishaps involve alcohol. Seventy-three per cent occur between 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. Drowning is a leading cause of death. The 15 to 24 age group has the highest rate of death and injury. The second highest is ages 25 to 34.
These deaths are highly preventable. Snowmobilers who take their responsibility seriously are the ones who stay out of trouble consistently. Most deaths involve thrill seekers who speed, and otherwise ignore rules. They ride after drinking, in the dark, or misuse high performance machines that go up to 190 km/h. They zoom across roads, open water, any surface – no matter how thin the ice or rough the terrain. Back to top
The solution may not be stricter laws. Driving any motor vehicle while impaired is already a criminal offense. Already similar rules and penalties apply as for driving a car. That includes fines, loss of driver’s license, a criminal record, and for second or more convictions… imprisonment. Helmet use is also compulsory for snowmobilers, yet some sport enthusiasts don’t wear one.
It is very hard to enforce laws for off-road vehicles. Laws that can’t be enforced do not help. Canadians must look at better ways to prevent deaths and injuries.
Being responsible, using common sense, and practicing important skills make snowmobile riding safer and more rewarding. The profile of high risk riders is known and can be targeted. Effective measures can be developed based on approaches which have proven successful in similar contexts. Back to top
One way the safety concerns can be addressed is through training. In the winter of 1997-1998, the Canada Safety Council piloted SnowPro. This year the five and one-half to seven hour program, led by CSC certified instructors, will be expanded. The course is a hands-on experience that emphasizes safety while operating snowmobiles. It covers protective gear, environmental concerns, local laws, and safety techniques. For more advanced participants, hills (stopping, turning around and traversing) and emergency stopping are also included.
Individuals or clubs who wish to take advantage of the training, and experienced snowmobile operators interested in becoming certified instructors, should contact Jack Smith, CSC’s General Manager, Programs at (613) 739-1535, ext. 225 or by e-mail.
The SnowPro Computer Program reviews what every snowmobiler needs to know in order to ride safely, although it does not replace hands-on instruction. Click on the blue underlined SnowPro to get the order form. Back to top
There are no victimless crimes. Through higher premiums, you pay over 20% of your own insurance costs to those who cheat the system. Inaccurate or fraudulent claims and sleds stolen through owner negligence are costing each snowmobiler bigger bucks every year.
Where will it end? Perhaps with snowmobiling premiums so high, you can’t afford coverage. Think about it. Sky-high premiums have almost destroyed the once booming motorcycle business. Snowmobiling could be next in line. Unless you act today, we could be priced off the snow.
How can you help? Be prepared to report cheaters. They are criminals taking money out of your pocket and destroying the sport you love. Always assume that someone is looking for an opportunity to steal your snowmobile and take defensive precautions:
Never leave your sled unlocked, even for a brief time.
Overnight, park in well lit areas inaccessible to trucks.
Secure several sleds together in a random pattern and anchor them to a fixed object.
Use an engraver to mark sled and engine parts with your driver’s license number for easy identification.
Carry your sled’s serial numbers in your wallet for accurate reporting.
If your sled is stolen, file a complete, accurate police report immediately.
Report any suspicious incidents or persons.
Cheaters are costing you money, but the worst part of theft is that your season may be stolen too. Settlements take time. Back to top
Insurance:
Trail Smart Insurance Program
Exclusive to current valid OFSC trail permit holdersNorth American Toll-Free
line 1-888-404-7533
Hours – Sales & Service
Monday to Friday 8:00am – 10:00pm
Saturday 9:00am – 3:00pm www.sledderschoice.ca Back to top
A comprehensive snowmobile machine safety standards program is sponsored by the Snowmobile Safety and Certification Committee (SSCC), a non-profit organization interested in safe snowmobiling. In 1981, the SSCC received the U.S. National Safety Council’s ‘Distinguished Service to Safety" Award for its effective work in improving the safety of snowmobiling.
Under the SSCC machine safety standards program, snowmobiles are certified by an independent testing company as being in compliance with all SSCC safety standards.
The SSCC independent certification program covers every vital component of the snowmobile; electrical, lighting and brake systems; alternate starting system; emergency control; brake and throttle controls; fuel system; reflectors; handgrips; seat; shields and guards. The SSCC standard sets maximum permission sound levels of no more than 78dB(A) at 50 feet when the snowmobiling is traveling at full throttle and no more than 73 dB(A) at 50 feet when the snowmobile is traveling at 15 mph.
The SSCC standard exceeds state government standards in all snowbelt states. Under Transport Canada regulations, all new snowmobiles sold in Canada since 1987 are required to meet the current SSCC standards.
The Compliance of a snowmobile with the SSCC standard is indicated by the SSCC’s black and white certification label, which is generally placed on the right rear tunnel of the machine. These labels are distributed to the manufacturers only after an independent testing laboratory determines that the model is in compliance with the SSCC standard. Back to top
Most provinces and states offer snowmobile operator safety-training programs. Many state and provinces have mandatory training courses for youths and under-age drivers. Programs throughout North America can be obtained by contacting your state or province organization. Through these programs, millions of individuals have received formal safety training.
The International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association, supported by the industry, promotes safe snowmobiling through the Safe Riders! You Make Snowmobiling Safe campaign. The international effort outlines safety guidelines that must be observed while snowmobiling. FREE information available for use and distribution in promoting safety and assisting in safety education classes are as follows:
22 minute safety video titled "Safe Riders, You Make Snowmobiling Safe" – This video features key safety issues and areas of rider responsibility explained and presented in an easy to understand fashion.
Safe Riders! Safety Brochures – Discusses key areas of snowmobiling safety.
Safety Decals
Safe Riders! Posters – These include a variety of posters such as a logo poster and position posters discussing key issues of the safety campaign (i.e.: alcohol and riding don’t mix, always check local ice conditions).
Video Public Service Announcements – Four TV production quality public service announcement videos covering key safety issues within the snowmobile community.
Radio Public Service Announcements – are broadcast ready.
Additional information is available through the ISMA we site at www.snowmobile.org.
For the past 6 years, the snowmobile community, lead by the snowmobile administrators and state and provincial associations have sponsored the International Snowmobile Safety Week. Working in partnership with the manufacturers, the organizations have published a Safety Week manual that is used to assist clubs and other organizations sponsor safety related activities, classes, and awareness weeks. Most states and provinces have safety week recognized by their chief public policy leaders and proclamations recognizing the importance of snowmobiling and snowmobile safety done annually in conjunction with International Snowmobile Safety Week. Safety Week is historically held the third week in January and manuals are available from the ISMA office free of charge.
Provincial and state safety education programs include classroom instruction and sometimes field instruction. Snowmobile instruction courses are taught by specially trained volunteer teachers. The courses cover the topics of maintenance and machine operation, proper riding positions, proper clothing, terrain, weather and wind conditions, environmental awareness, skill, courtesy, judgment and common sense.
Provincial and state operator training programs are often funded with snowmobile registration fees or user fees.
Clubs and school systems are also engaged in safety education campaigns. More than one million copies of the Snowmobiler’s Safety Handbook, published by the Snowmobile Safety and Certification Committee, have been distributed to snowmobile enthusiasts throughout North America.
Sno Pro is a computer-based interactive snowmobile safety tutorial that has been developed by CCSO/CCOM. Information on this program can be obtained by contacting them or any provincial organization. Back to top
Inadequate riding and trail facilities increase the risk of snowmobile safety related incidents. Just a few of the risks include: cable and guide wires, fences, barbed wire, unsafe ice and ice ridges, hidden rocks, tree stumps, low hanging branches and other obstacles. Well designed, signed and maintained trails and riding areas not only provide enjoyable recreational snowmobiling opportunities but have been proven to significantly reduce the likelihood of a snowmobiler being injured. Safe trails and use areas remain a top priority and concern of the snowmobile community. Back to top
Statistics indicate that only approximately 10-15% of snowmobile incidents occur on well maintained and designed trails where as much as 80-90% of all snowmobile riding takes place.
This is the lowering of the body’s core temperature. It can happen in water or on land. Hypothermia does not require extreme cold and accelerates with wind and wetness. Dressing warmly in water resistant layers helps, but if immersed, quickly replace wet clothes, keep moving to generate body heat, and find immediate shelter and warmth. Back to top
This occurs when direct and reflecting sun glare are too bright for the eyes. Riding without good quality, UV protected sunglasses can cause permanent damage.Back to top
Frost Bite results from freezing temperatures and poor circulation. Most common on extremities and exposed skin, it can be identified by unnaturally white and numb skin surrounded by harsh red colouring. Cover up and layer well, making sure that socks fit loosely within your boots. And remember mitts with liners are warmer than gloves.Back to top
Wind chill is lower temperature caused by wind and/or the forward momentum of a fast moving sled. Wind chill exposes you to severe cold which in turn can cause hypothermia. Wind-proof outer garments, extra layers and a balaclava will offer some protection, but keep your face shield down to prevent wind burn and to protect your skin and eyes. Back to top
Drowning is one of the leading causes of snowmobile fatalities. Wherever possible, avoid riding on frozen lakes and rivers because ice conditions are never a safe bet. Ice conditions can change in a period of several hours If you must cross ice, ask first, then stay on the packed or marked trail. Don’t stop until you reach shore. If you hit slush, don’t let off the throttle. If you are following someone who hits slush, veer off to make your own path. If you must travel over lakes and rivers then consider using a buoyant snowmobile suit which will assist you to reach the closest ice surface. Also consider carrying a set of picks which will help you grip the edge of the ice more easily As a rule of thumb, "If you don’t know, don’t go."
For more information on ice safety and rescue, contact the Lifesaving Society at 613 746 5694 and ask for a copy of their ice manual. Back to top
Information and Snow phone Line 519-855-9686
