Snowmobile Safety Precautions for Winter Sport Enthusiasts

Winter sports enthusiasts are looking ahead to the snowy season with excitement in hopes of enjoying various activities, including snowmobiling. With approximately 230,000 miles of trails available throughout the United States and Canada, snowmobiling enthusiasts have a lot to be excited about. It is important to remember to practice safety, however, as actor Jeremy Renner can attest to after his recent snowplow accident in January 2023. When Renner was interviewed by Variety magazine, he emphasized the importance of safety after suffering 30 broken bones when he was run over by his 14,330-pound Sno-Cat snowplow. This accident was a life-changing event for Renner, as most accidents are, but he admits the accident was his mistake because he had one foot out of the snowplow as he was operating it. When Renner saw that the vehicle might trap his nephew, Alex, between the snowplow and a truck, Renner tried to hop back into the snowplow to disengage it but was run over instead. It is miraculous how Renner has recovered, inspiring us all to remember mind over matter, but even Renner stated it was his mistake, and he paid for it. However, mistakes can be avoided by following safety procedures, so it is important to remember the following safety precautions when snowmobiling.

The first thing to do for safety is to follow the “pre-op†check outlined in your owner’s manual before each ride, while also keeping in mind that you must keep your snowmobile in good working condition to ensure safety. It also is important to learn about the terrain on which you will be traveling so you are aware of roads, bodies of water, and railways. Sometimes you can talk to the local community where you are snowmobiling or take a map to best understand the terrain.

Some of the safety equipment necessary to keep on your snowmobile includes an extra ignition key, waterproof matches or a fire starter, a fire extinguisher, a flashlight, and spare batteries. If you build a fire, be sure to follow normal safety procedures by never leaving the fire unattended. When you leave the area, the best way to be sure the fire will not reignite is to smother the base of the fire with snow or dirt.

Other personal items that you should take with you when snowmobiling include any critical medications that you take, a cell phone, food that provides high energy and water, your driver’s license, your vehicle insurance and registration forms, and if required by your jurisdiction, your snowmobile safety certification card. Be sure to fully charge your phone before you leave and turn it off to preserve battery life. Keep in mind that your phone can freeze, so keep it stored in a warm location, such as an inside coat pocket. Take a flare or radio in case there is no reception in the area for your cell phone.

The weather is always an important consideration, especially when traveling on snowy trails, so you do not get stranded in a storm. During bad weather the best thing to do is to wait and stay indoors until it has moved out of the area.

A route outlining where you plan to ride and return should be developed for all those riding on the snowmobiles and shared with others before you leave, so help can be sent if needed. Never travel alone when snowmobiling because personal injury is the result of most snowmobile accidents. Being injured and alone when snowmobiling would be extremely dangerous.

It is important to drive defensively at moderate speeds, especially after sunset, so you are traveling at a pace that will allow you enough time to respond to any situation. Also, remember that traveling across bodies of water is dangerous because it is hard to determine ice thickness or water currents, and safe ice can be prevented from forming when snow cover serves as a blanket. Keep in mind that tree stumps, fences, and wire that is stretched may be hidden by the snow. It is best to stay on marked trails or the right shoulder of the road if possible.

Appropriate dress for snowmobiling includes wearing layers of water-repellent clothing with no loose ends to get tangled in the vehicle or equipment. Injuries from flying objects and twigs can be avoided by always wearing a helmet with goggles or a face shield.

You should always take a first aid kit stored in a waterproof container when you are snowmobiling. You can either buy a compact-size first aid kit that is easy to store while you ride, or you can make your own. Some items you may want to include in your first aid kit are antibiotic ointment, burn gel, alcohol wipes, a roll of adhesive tape, a knife or scissors, a roll of gauze, two- and four-inch compresses, and a thermal/space blanket. No need to include liquids because most liquids will freeze.

Most fatal snowmobile accidents show that alcohol or drugs were contributing factors. After drinking alcohol, judgment is impaired, reaction time is slowed, and oftentimes, snowmobilers drive too fast. Body temperature drops faster, and the likelihood of hypothermia is greater if you have been drinking alcohol.

Snowmobiling can be a lot of fun, but as Jeremy Renner emphasized when he was interviewed, there is a price to pay for mistakes. Although Renner is proof of the healing power of mind over matter, we may not all be that lucky. Mistakes can be avoided, and an enjoyable time can be had by all, simply by taking the extra steps involved to follow snowmobile safety precautions.