Safer Snowmobiling

By the Canada Safety Council

Snowmobiling - now a $6 billion a year industry in North America - is quickly growing in popularity. Most riders are sensible. But why do 90 Canadians die every year in snowmobile incidents?

Drinking, Darkness and Drowning

About three-quarters of snowmobile mishaps involve alcohol. Seventy-three per cent occur between 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. Drowning is a leading cause of death. The 15 to 24 age group has the highest rate of death and injury. The second highest is ages 25 to 34.

These deaths are highly preventable. Snowmobilers who take their responsibility seriously are the ones who stay out of trouble consistently. Most deaths involve thrill seekers who speed, and otherwise ignore rules. They ride after drinking, in the dark, or misuse high performance machines that go up to 190 km/h. They zoom across roads, open water, any surface - no matter how thin the ice or rough the terrain.

Snowmobiling and the Law

The solution may not be stricter laws. Driving any motor vehicle while impaired is already a criminal offense. Already similar rules and penalties apply as for driving a car. That includes fines, loss of driver’s license, a criminal record, and for second or more convictions... imprisonment. Helmet use is also compulsory for snowmobilers, yet some sport enthusiasts don’t wear one.

It is very hard to enforce laws for off-road vehicles. Laws that can’t be enforced do not help. Canadians must look at better ways to prevent deaths and injuries.

Being responsible, using common sense, and practising important skills make snowmobile riding safer and more rewarding. The profile of high risk riders is known and can be targeted. Effective measures can be developed based on approaches which have proven successful in similar contexts.

Snowmobile Operators Course

A snowmobile is designed to be a safe vehicle when used as intended. The key to safe operation is YOUR knowledge of the vehicle; recognizing and accepting it as a motorized vehicle; respecting its capabilities and its limitations; varying operating conditions; knowledge of local laws; good judgement and courtesy. Recognizing your own capabilities and limitations is also a very important factor for the safe operation of a snowmobile.

The Snowmobile Operators Course is 5-1/2 to 6 hour training program operated by CSC certified instructors. The curriculum, which is based on field-tested techniques, provides a fun and orderly way to learn proper snowmobile operation. The rider learns about controls, reading terrain, turning and climbing hills.

A signed consent form is required from the parent or legal guardian, if the child is between 6 and 11 years of age. No child will be allowed to ride without written parental consent.

If you wish to become a snowmobile instructor or take a Snowmobile Operators Course, please contact George Smith at (613) 739-1535 (227).

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This Article courtesy of the Canada Safety Council