Staying safe on a snowmobile

One of the perks of enduring an Ontario winter is the opportunity to participate in winter activities like snowmobiling. However, like any sport, there are risks.

Snowmobilers must operate their motorized snow vehicles safely to avoid being a hazard to passengers and others they encounter on the trails. Below are some tips for safer winter fun riding snowmobiles.

• Drive within your abilities; inexperienced snowmobilers should exercise extreme caution on the trails

• Watch out at the crest of hills and when going around corners; these are blind spots that can be deadly

• Stay on the right side of trails

• Obey posted speed limits and all trail sign warnings

• Do not ride on private property unless you have the landowner's permission

• Learn the appropriate hand signals for turning, stopping and slowing down

• Train crossings and intersections are danger spots: use designated crossings and cross at 90-degree angles

Snowmobiling at night can be especially exhilarating but poses even more dangers. After dark, make sure that you:

• Use headlights and wear reflective clothing or place strips of reflective tape on your outerwear

• Slow down and pay close attention to hidden hazards

Avoid driving on ice. If you must cross a frozen body of water on a snowmobile, you should be clad in a special buoyancy suit. The only ice able to bear the weight of snowmobiles is clear, hard and new. If the lake or river is unfamiliar to you, don't cross it. Stop and check for signs of moving water or slushy, weak ice.

Those injured by another snowmobiler's negligent acts can face long recuperations from severe injuries or even death. If your loved one died under such circumstances, a wrongful death lawsuit may help you recover damages.

Source: Ontario Ministry of Transportation, "Snowmobiles," accessed Nov. 13, 2015

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