Snowmobile Safety
The snow’s starting to fall and you know what that means: it’s snowmobile season. While riding on snowmobiles are fun, they’re also incredibly useful for getting around when other vehicles can’t. Because so many people rely on their snowmobiles, here at Rallye Motoplex, we want to make sure you’re being safe, no matter where you go. We’ve listed out some of the best safety practices you should be employing on a regular basis when you’re in your snowmobile. If you need parts or service, stop by our location in Moncton, New Brunswick, and let us help you with any of your powersports needs. We proudly serve the areas of Charlottetown, Fredericton, Saint John, and Bathurst!
Clothing and Equipment
No matter how far you’re going or what time of day you’re traveling, you’ll always want to make sure you’re wearing proper snowmobile clothing. The only line of defense against frostbite are the clothes on your back, and on a snowmobile, you’re more susceptible to cold weather because of the wind chill factor your forward movement creates. Make sure you wear lots of heat retentive and waterproof layers. You’ll also want proper mitts, socks and boots, and a helmet with a face shield. In addition, you want to be seen. If your clothes do not already come with reflective features, wear a reflective vest so other drivers can see you.
You’ll want to perform regular maintenance on your snowmobile to avoid breaking down far from help. But sometimes, unforeseen problems come up, so you should bring an emergency kit. A basic kit should include a spare belt; spare spark plugs; the manufacturer’s toolkit; extra wrenches, nuts, and bolts; a tow rope; a pry bar; duct tape; and a wire jack-knife. This may seem extensive, but it’s easy to wander away from civilization and cell phone service. You may find you won’t have the option of calling for help, so you’ll have to figure it out on your own, and you’ll want the supplies to do that.
Be Smart
Some of the most basic safety practices for riding a snowmobile can be employed using simple common sense. Make smart choices. This may mean staying home, especially in inclement weather.
Never drink and ride. Snowmobiling demands alertness and your undivided attention. Not to mention, you’re more susceptible to hypothermia if you’re intoxicated. You’re not only a danger to others, but you’re a serious danger to yourself.
Slow down, especially when it’s dark out. Your reaction time slows when it’s more difficult to see oncoming traffic or obstacles, so you want to allow yourself plenty of time to stop. You might also consider telling a friend where you’re going and what time you’ll be back, so someone’s aware if something is wrong. If you go out at night, always ride with a friend.
Watch the Ice
Drowning is one of the leading causes of snowmobile-related deaths. It’s a serious matter to come across ice and you should avoid it, but if you spend a lot of time traveling on your snowmobile, odds are you’ll encounter it. You should stick with thick ice that’s already on an established trail. Keep in mind that ice in the center of a lake is thinner than ice on the edge and if it’s been warming up recently, don’t go on the ice. You don’t know how much of it has melted or if it will support your weight.
Ice Breakthroughs
If the worst does happen and you fall through the ice, don’t panic. Keep a clear head so you can safely get out of the situation. Abandon your snowmobile. No sum of money is worth your life. If you go completely under, find a way back to the surface and start kicking horizontally to the nearest solid edge. Don’t tread water. Plant both hands on the ice shelf and then bring your legs up on the ice. Don’t stand as this puts too much pressure on too small a surface and you’ll risk breaking through the ice again. Get to sturdier ground and remove your clothes and perform calisthenics such as pushups, squats, and jumping jacks. As soon as you are able, make a fire to warm up your body temperature. Never sit in cold, wet clothes.
A day on the snowmobile can be fun and productive, so we want to help you make the most of your experience. That’s why Rallye Motoplex has provided these safety practices so you’re ready for minor inconveniences and worst case scenarios. But before you hit the trails, you’ll want to make sure your snowmobile is in tip-top condition. Stop by our location in Moncton, New Brunswick near Charlottetown, Fredericton, Saint John, and Bathurst for regular maintenance and repair so you’re ready for your next big adventure!