SASKATOON – With snowmobile riding season underway, the Saskatchewan Safety Council and SGI wants everyone to return home safely this season.
Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) says risky behaviour, speed, alcohol and unfamiliarity with the terrain or the machine are major contributing factors for snowmobile deaths and injuries in the province.
According to the Saskatchewan Safety Council, alcohol is the cause of almost 70 per cent of all snowmobile incidents.
With freezing and thawing, thin ice is a major risk for snowmobilers. Riders should be particularly aware of freshly fallen snow which can hide thin ice and cause ditches, rocks, branches, drainage pipes and depressions to be hidden.
If riders are unsure of ice conditions they can call their local environment ministry office.
Peter Huebner, chief snowmobile instructor at the Saskatchewan Safety Council, recommends all riders become familiar with the terrain early in the season to prevent needless accidents from happening.
“With caution and foresight, you can eliminate a good 9 out of 10 of them,” said Huebner.
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According to the Snowmobile Act, all snowmobile operators and passengers must wear a safety certified helmet. Helmets should be fit comfortably, be secured properly and if a full-face shield is not available, goggles must be worn.
Protective goggles with tinted grey or green lenses are recommended for bright days, while amber or yellow lenses are good for overcast or late afternoon riding.
Lenses reveal dangerous depressions in the snow and protect the eyes from branches and other objects.
Here are some basic safety tips in order to have a safe and enjoyable snowmobile season:
- Never ride alone
- Wear proper snowmobile attire including a helmet
- Take extra precautions when riding in unfamiliar terrain
- Don’t ride under while impaired by the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Use groomed snowmobile trails to prevent accidents from happening
- Always come to a complete stop before carefully crossing roads, highways and railway tracks
- The legal speed limit for snowmobiles in Saskatchewan is 80 km/h
- Keep snowmobiles properly maintained
- Avoid travel over unfamiliar bodies of water
- Inform someone about travel plans and an estimated time of arrival (ETA)
- Carry emergency supplies
- Follow other riders at a reasonable and safe distance
SGI says most snowmobile crashes occur at night and special care should be kept in mind:
- Make sure headlights and tail lights are working
- Reduce speed
- Avoid unfamiliar terrain
- Carry a flashlight or a flare
- Ride in the same direction as nearby road traffic
- Wear reflective clothing
All snowmobile operators born after Jan. 1, 1989 are required to take a snowmobile safety course in order to ride on public land.
The Saskatchewan Safety Council offers snowmobile safety courses around the province from November through March.
For more information on courses riders can contact the Saskatchewan Safety Council at 306-757-3197.
For the latest weather updates and forecasts on the go use Global’s Skytracker app.
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