Snowmobile Basics—Be Prepared
Snowmobile Safety Tips

• Read your snowmobile owner’s manual to familiarize yourself with the vehicle’s operation.
• Check the weather forecasts for snow or ice.
• Be aware of the terrain in the area you plan to ride.
• Make sure the lights work properly and are free of snow.
• Wear protective clothing suitable for the environment. Wear a helmet and goggles (or a face shield) to prevent injuries from branches and road debris.
• Use extreme caution when operating in freezing rain because the face shield may freeze over.
• Don’t travel on unfamiliar ground at night.
• Don’t overdrive the machine’s headlight beam. Snowmobile headlights are adequate for reduced speed only.
• Carry a flashlight or flare for emergency signaling.
• Ride in a group of two or more—never alone. In case of an accident, another snowmobiler can save your life.
• Never blaze a new trail at night.
• Ice freezes and thaws at different rates. Ice is never a uniform thickness.
• River ice is 9% weaker than lake ice.
• Avoid areas of open water.
• Stay close to shore when operating on ice particularly lake ice.
• On rivers avoid the areas of fast water such as the outside curves or the cut banks side of the river.
• Be careful around bridge abutments and other obstructions.
• Avoid ice pressure ridges.
• At night you cannot distinguish between areas of open water and frozen ice.
• If you are traveling on ice, wear a life jacket under your snowmobile suit.
• Know snowmobile regulations.