Governor Mark Dayton with the support of Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Minnesota United Snowmobilers Association (MnUSA) has proclaimed the week of Jan. 15-21 as Snowmobile Safety Awareness Week in Minnesota.
“We see the excitement to ride building up as people wait for that first ‘good’ snow of the season to arrive, so we see a lot of pent up riding excitement in a short amount of time during these ‘low snow’ seasons,” said Captain Mike Hammer, DNR Education Program Coordinator. “Our concern is all of the anxious snowmobilers suddenly hitting the trails all at once when that good snow finally arrives.”
To legally ride a snowmobile in Minnesota, residents born after Dec. 31, 1976 need a valid snowmobile safety certificate.
More than 1,800 volunteer instructors teach DNR snowmobile safety courses across the state.
For more information on the dates and locations of these courses, visit the DNR website: www.dnr.state.mn.us or call 1-800-366-8917.
DNR and MnUSA also want to remind snowmobilers of a few basic safety tips:
DON’T’ DRINK – Drinking and driving can be fatal. Drinking alcohol before or during snowmobiling can impair judgment and sow reaction time. Snowmobilers who have been drinking may drive too fast or race across unsafe ice. Alcohol also causes body temperature to drop at an accelerated rate, which increases the likelihood of hypothermia.
SLOW DOWN – Speed is a contributing factor in nearly all fatal snowmobiling accidents. Drivers should proceed at a pace that will allow ample reaction time for any situation. Remember, when driving at night a speed of only 40 miles an hour may result in “over driving” the headlight.
BE PREPARED – When traveling, make sure to bring a first aid kit, a flashlight, waterproof matches, and a compass.
STAY ALERT – Fatigue can reduce the driver’s coordination and judgment.
ICE ADVICE – Avoid traveling across bodies of water when uncertain of ice thickness and strength of ice on lakes and ponds. Snow cover can act as a blanket and prevent safe ice from forming. Never travel in a single file when crossing bodies of water.
DRESS FOR SUCCESS – Use a full-size helmet, goggles or face shield to prevent injuries from twigs, stones, ice, and flying debris. Clothing should be worn in layers and should be just snug enough so that no loose ends catch in the machine.
WATCH THE WEATHER – Rapid weather changes can produce dangerous conditions.
BRING A BUDDY – Never travel alone. Most snowmobile accidents result in some personal injury. The most dangerous situations can occur if a person is injured and alone. If you must travel alone tell someone your destination, planned route, and when you will return.
REPORT ACCIDENTS – The operator of a snowmobile involved in an accident resulting in medical attention, death, or damage exceeding $500 must file an official accident report through the county sheriff’s office within 10 days.
For a copy of DNR’s 2011-2012 Minnesota Snowmobile Safety Laws, Rules, and Regulations handbook, you can call 888-MINNDNR (outstate) or 651-296-6157. It’s also available on the DNR’s web page: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/regulations/snowmobile/index.html
