Illinois DNR reminds snowmobile operators to 'Play it Safe this Winter'

Author's note: This information from the Illinois DNR would apply for snowmobilers in all states in the entire Great Lakes region.

Practicing safety and using common sense prevents accidents

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is reminding snowmobile operators and riders to take extra caution this year when snow falls in Illinois. Every year throughout the state, people are seriously injured or lose their lives on snowmobiles.  Many of these accidents could have been prevented had reasonable and proper precautions been taken.

In most instances, being alert and sober, knowing the trail, and traveling at a reasonable rate of speed for trail conditions can prevent most accidents.  In North America, more than 50 percent of snowmobile fatalities involve intoxicated operators.

Last season (2012-2013) in Illinois, 34 reported snowmobile accidents resulted in three fatalities.

“Most snowmobile accidents or fatalities we see could have been prevented had common sense and safety been practiced before and during the ride,” said Illinois Conservation Police Chief Rafael Gutierrez.  “It doesn’t matter what your intentions are before you set out to ride – if you aren’t prepared, accidents are more likely to happen.”

While IDNR encourages everyone to take a snowmobile safety class before their first ride of the season, state law requires that persons at least 12 years of age and less than 16 years must have in possession a valid Snowmobile Safety Education Certificate of Competency issued by IDNR in order to operate a snowmobile alone.

While most of the traditional instructor-led safety courses administered by the IDNR have taken place this year, snowmobilers can also satisfy state safety requirements by taking one of two online courses to become familiar with safe sledding practices or to refresh themselves on staying safe.  Individuals can earn legal safety certification through either www.snowmobilecourse.com or www.snowmobile-ed.com.  Both courses are administered by private companies, and do charge a fee to take the course.

Basic safety tips for safe snowmobiling: 

• Never consume alcohol before or during a ride
• Know your equipment, and make sure that equipment is in proper working order.
• Wear sensible, protective clothing designed for snowmobiling, like a full-size helmet, goggles, or face shield to prevent injuries from twigs, stones, ice chips, and flying debris. 
• Avoid wearing long scarves, which may get caught in moving parts of the snowmobile. 
• Know the terrain you are going to ride. If unfamiliar to you, ask someone who has traveled over it before.  Be aware of trails or portions of trails that may be closed.
• Drowning is one cause of snowmobile fatalities. When not familiar with the thickness of the ice or water currents, avoid these areas. 
• Know the weather forecast, and especially the ice and snow conditions in the area. 
• Always use the buddy system. Never ride alone or unaccompanied. 
• Travel at a reasonable rate of speed for your visibility and conditions.