Riding Safely and Responsibly

Developing Special Riding Skills

Carrying a passenger and riding at night involve special skills. As your basic riding skills progress, practice these skills.

Carrying a Passenger

• Carry a passenger only if your snowmobile is designed to; most are not.
• Ask passengers to stay seated so that they maintain the lowest center of gravity possible. By standing, they can affect your ability to maneuver the machine.
• Warn passengers about extending their arms and legs outside the machine where they may collide with branches or bushes.

Night Riding

• Accidents that occur at night usually involve snowmobiles running into stationary objects, such as trees, that come into view unexpectedly.
• Drive slowly so that you have time to recognize danger and react.
• Never “overdrive your headlight.” Make sure you can stop within the length of your headlight beam. A snowmobile high beam is effective for about 200 feet. To avoid a collision, travel slower than 30 mph. The stopping distance at this speed is about 220 feet.
• Always take these safety precautions.
  • Make sure your lights work properly, are clean, are free of snow, and are properly adjusted.
  • Don’t travel in unfamiliar areas.
  • Stay on established trails. Don’t blaze a new trail in the dark.
  • Always carry a flare or flashlight for emergency signaling.
  • Always ride in a group of two or more—never alone.
  • If you stop, pull off the trail so that you won’t be a hazard to others.
  • Be careful when riding in freezing rain because your face shield may freeze over.