Snowmobile Basics—Riding Your Snowmobile
Night Riding

Accidents at night usually involve snowmobiles running into trees, rocks, fences, or other stationary objects. Typically, these objects come into view unexpectedly in your headlight beam. It’s important to drive slowly so you have time to recognize the danger and react. Never overdrive your headlight beam.

You should be able to stop within the distance covered by the headlight beam. If the headlight suddenly reveals a large rock in your path, you need to be able to stop before you hit it. The high beam on a snowmobile headlight is effective for about 200 feet. To avoid a collision, travel slower than 40 mph because the stopping distance at this speed is about 220 feet.

Other considerations include:

• Make sure your lights are working well and are free of snow.
• Know the terrain in your riding area.
• Always carry a flare or flashlight for emergency signaling.
• Ride in a group of two or more—never alone.
• If you stop, pull off the trail.
• Stay on established trails. Heading off into the unknown at night can be dangerous.