Winter is an exciting time to enjoy the outdoors.
It’s the perfect excuse to make use of fun toys such as skis, snowboards, ice skates and snowmobiles. The snowmobile was developed for emergencies in regions where heavy snow prohibited the use of conventional vehicles. It also made easier to transport people and supplies. Today, they have become a popular winter sport enjoyed by millions of people of all ages, all over the world.
However, snowmobiles are heavy, powerful machines, and they can be dangerous if not used in a responsible way. The modern snowmobile can weigh around 600 pounds and travel at speeds exceeding 90 miles per hour. Each year, snowmobile accidents produce hundreds of deaths and thousands of injuries, all over the U.S.
Causes Of Accidents
Most snowmobile accidents result from operator error, overconfidence or inexperience. Males aged 15 to 34 are the highest risk group. Factors such as alcohol, low lighting, riding on roads or lakes, high speed and riding on unfamiliar terrain or ice, are the main contributors.
Preventing Accidents
Take the necessary precautions before performing any extreme sport or outdoor activity, before sitting on top of a snowmobile we need to be prepared. If you are an amateur, get trained. Make sure to receive proper instruction about how to operate your snowmobile. Try to practice in controlled environments. Here are more safety tips that will help you prevent accidents on snowmobile rides.
- Inform someone of your destination and estimated arrival time.
- Check to make sure your snowmobile is in full working order.
- Wear the proper gear and make sure to wear clothing that is warm, waterproof and has a built-in flotation device.
- Always carry a first aid or survival kit.
- Check weather conditions and avalanche warnings, if applicable.
In the snow
- Always, no matter what, wear a helmet.
- Stick to marked trails whenever possible.
- Stay on the right side of the trail to avoid oncoming traffic.
- Keep your speed reasonable, especially at night.
- Look First – exercise extreme caution when crossing roads, railway tracks, or trail intersections.
- Check ice conditions before crossing a body of water. You can learn several ways to measure the ice thickness.
- Buckle Up.
- Drive Sober – alcohol, drugs, prescription medications or extreme fatigue combined with snowmobiling can be extremely dangerous and even lethal.
Where To Begin
The Gregory Wasatch Mountain Biking Backpack could be used for your snowmobile ride too!
If you are new in the extreme sports and outdoors scene, you can find the boost you need to get started at specialized shops, such as Outdoors Geek. Everything from backpacks, camping tents, survival equipment and special gear, is available not only for purchasing, but you can actually rent it and try it.
When riding your snowmobile, taking one of our many options of Gregory backpacks is an excellent option to carry your first aid kit, snowshoes, water, snacks, your cellphone and GPS or Spot messenger. No better way to keep all your gear and equipment dry and safe.
