Staying Safe on your Snowmobile

Now that the temperature is dropping and the snow is falling, many of you will start getting out your snowmobiles. Snowmobiles are not only a great way to have a fun afternoon, but they also can provide a means to get around town if it’s particularly nasty out. Not to mention, many people use snowmobiles for work. No matter what you use your snowmobile for, you’ll want to be prioritizing safety. Just like any powersports vehicle, there are special steps you should be taking in order to make sure you’re making smart, safe decisions. Here at Road Track & Trail, we’ve provided some of the safety tips for you to use while you’re out on your snowmobile. If you’re still looking for the perfect snowmobile, then stop by our location near Milwaukee, Waukesha, and Kenosha, Wisconsin, as well as Chicago, Illinois.]

Clothing & Equipment

Before you leave your driveway, you’ll want to make sure you’re wearing all the right clothing and packing all the right gear. Start with layers. Layering is the better option over a single, heavy coat because overheating can lead you to sweat a lot, which can lead to hypothermia when all that sweat evaporates. We suggest long underclothes, a thick shirt and pants, and a down vest. This way, the coat doesn’t have to be heavily insulated unless it’s especially cold. We also recommend waterproof snow pants to keep you dry, as well as insulated gloves and appropriate riding boots.

Safety gear is just as important as the gear to stay warm. The most important piece of safety equipment you’ll want to wear is a helmet. Even if you’re riding over a fresh layer of powder, you never know what kind of debris is lying beneath. You’ll also want to make sure you have protective eyewear, so if your helmet doesn’t come with a face shield, you’ll want to invest in some goggles, preferably ones with anti-fogging capabilities.

And don’t forget the safety equipment that doesn’t go on your body. A basic tool kit and extra parts that will fit in your vehicle can help you get moving in a bind. A first aid kit wouldn’t hurt and you’ll definitely want plenty of water.

Be Smart

There are lots of ways to stay safe while out and about, but they mostly boil down to making smart decisions. Avoid anything that could hinder your ability to focus and make quick decisions. This means staying sober, and don’t ride if you’re taking prescriptions that will impair your judgment. If a storm rolls through, then it’s best to stay home, so check the forecast every morning before you head out.

Watch for Ice

First and foremost, avoid ice as much as possible. It can be difficult to predict how thick a patch of ice is and you don’t want to put yourself in a scary situation. This is especially true if the weather’s been warming up, as the ice will be thinner at the very least.

Having said that, sometimes ice is inevitable. If you ride long enough, you’ll hit ice. In this case, find a spot that has already been well used by other riders to ensure that it will hold. If you reach a particularly large body of water, like a lake or pond, remember that the ice on the edge will be thicker than the ice in the middle.

Ice Breakthroughs

While we hope you’ll never need to use this information, it’s better to have it in the back of your mind than to panic and not know what to do should you ever fall through the ice. Start by separating yourself from your snowmobile and heading to the surface of the water. Immediately make your way to the nearest ice ledge. Put both hands on the firm ice and pull your legs up one at a time. Remain on your hands and knees, as standing could put too much pressure on one spot and risk another breakthrough. When you reach a safe area, remove your wet clothing and perform calisthenic exercises, like push-ups and jumping jacks, to get your body temperature up and make a fire as soon as you can. The last thing you want to do is sit in cold, wet clothes.

Knowing how to keep yourself safe while out on your snowmobile is an important part of having fun out there. We hope you never find yourself in a sticky situation, but it’s best to have a plan in case you do. Another important part of snowmobile safety is making sure your sled is in peak working condition. When it’s time for your regular maintenance check, call Road Track & Trail, and check out our inventory of used snowmobiles while you're at it. We welcome all patrons from the areas of Milwaukee, Waukesha, and Kenosha, Wisconsin, as well as Chicago, Illinois.