Snowmobile Safety Week is January 15th through the 23rd!

Jan 23, 2023

Every January from the 15th through the 23rd is International Snowmobile Safety Week. Snowmobiling is an exciting and competitive adventure winter sport! Snowmobiles are motorized sleds or scooters, designed for winter weather terrain; the vehicle is steered by skis and propelled by a belt track in the rear. They can be driven on ice and snow, and travel well on roads, trails, or open terrain. These winter ready vehicles are the perfect choice for wilderness transportation, recreational racing and tourism, hunting, and even trapping.

In order to be the safest and most responsible snowmobile rider, we have a list of helpful tips, tricks, and suggested activities to keep you up to date and responsible. Remember, even if you’re prepared as best you are able, accidents can still happen, so do your best to stay alert and stay safe, and we wish many happy trails to you all!

The Very Basics of Safe Snowmobiling:

Don’t drink/use and ride; much like getting behind the wheel of a car while drunk or high, snowmobiling while intoxicated is a no go.
Never ride alone. There’s safety in numbers, and two or more people will keep you safest while snowmobiling.
Know the risks and be prepared for anything.
Stay on the trails and don’t go off-map.
Make sure everyone has safety gear such as a compass and map, waterproof matches and flare/candles, crank flashlight and/or headlamp and/or flashlight with spare batteries, extra ignition key, a tow strap, first aid kit, survival kit, etc. Consider two-way radios and/or satellite phones if typical cell tower reception is low.
Wear a safety helmet and fully protective waterproof clothing with reflective strips, full eye protection, and solid boots.
Maintain a safe speed to minimize odds of losing control of the vehicle, injury to passengers, or other catastrophic accident.
Avoid driving on lakes, rivers, and other frozen bodies of water; these may appear to be solid, but weather can change very, very quickly and once you fall in things can get dangerous very fast.
Maintain your calm and stay focused. Keep your eyes peeled for potential hazards on the trail including other snowmobiles, people, and animals as well as weather and natural elements. Keep your emotions regulated to avoid road rage and distracted driving.
No one under the age of 16 should be allowed to drive, and children younger than 6 should not be a passenger.
Do not take on more passengers than your vehicle is designed for; if it isa solo riding snowmobile, do not add a second person, and if designed for dual riders do not take on more than that. Use extreme caution if/when towing passengers on sleds, tubes, tires, or other ride-on items.

How to prepare for your snowmobiling adventures:

First, it’s important to understand state and local laws and regulations. Check with your local snowmobile club, snowmobile dealer/rental facility, and department of parks and recreation for updated information on local rules and guidelines. It’s also important to adhere to posted signage; respect public and private property owners by not trespassing where prohibited to do so.

Second, it’s recommended to enroll in a snowmobile safety course. These specialized safety courses work much like the typical Driver’s Ed for new drivers. You’ll learn the parts of a snowmobile, how they operate, helpful riding skills, emergency and troubleshooting tips, how to avoid potential hazards, basic laws and regulations for operation, and many also include a live driving test.

Third item of merit, you’ll want to learn proper communication and hand signals to help you stay safe, much like using hand signals as a cyclist on trails and roads.

Fourth on our list is keeping your eye on the weather and taking properly maintained and groomed trails in safe weather conditions. Snowmobiling is an outdoor motorsport, and keeping abreast of inclement weather is vital to your safety. You’ll want to be aware of recent and pending weather conditions not just so you can dress appropriately with goggles and other gear, but so that you can determine if it is safe to embark on your journey. Anything under -20F is too cold to ride, with 0F to 30F being the most comfortable weather conditions for snowmobiling. You’ll also want to avoid snow squalls, snow glare, and whiteouts, so please, postpone your trip if the weather is unfavorable! You’ll also want to be aware of avalanches in specific areas of terrain, so be sure to check www.avalanche.org for existing conditions.

Fifth on our recommendations, but certainly not the least, is to make sure that you’re properly insured for collisions, bodily injury, property damage, and/or comprehensive insurance plans. Accidents can happen at any time, and making sure you’re covered whether you own or rent is imperative to staying safe and sound and preventing costly damages.

May the memory of Ken Block and his legacy live on:

Today we’re honoring the memory of Ken Block, founder and driver of DC Shoes as well as the infamous Hoonigan Racing. Earlier this month, Ken Block was involved in an unfortunate snowmobile accident and passed away from related injuries. Ken Block will be missed and he will be always fondly remembered by all of us in the automotive community. His legacy will live on!

The Hoonigans Pay Tribute to Ken Block: