By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Joseph_Devine]Joseph Devine
Plan ahead, deciding on routes and alternatives in case you have to take a detour, and the estimated amount of time your ride should take. Check updated weather conditions before you leave. Bring adequate supplies, including maps, gasoline, and an emergency kit that includes tools, a knife, ice picks, a compass, a flashlight, waterproof matches, spark plugs, flares, and an extra key. Consider bringing along a global positioning system.
Tell someone where you are going, how long you will be gone, and the names of the other people in the party. If you are gone far too long because of an emergency, this person can alert the authorities and provide them with this information. If the trip involves an overnight stay, include contact information.
Keep your snowmobile in top working order. Properly store your vehicle during the off-season, and thoroughly check its condition before use. Before embarking, check your throttle, fuel levels, battery, drive belt, handlebars, brakes, and your headlights and taillights.
Wear proper gear, including water-resistant clothing, gloves, boots, and other winter sport gear.
Travel with another person or a group for added safety. Understand your own abilities and those of everyone in the group in order to avoid dangerous situations.
Do not drink alcohol before riding. Alcohol can seriously impair your judgment and slow your reactions, and can also contribute to hypothermia.
Stay on marked trails, obey warning signs, and obey all traffic laws when traveling on roads.
Learn about the risks of avalanches and how to avoid them. In about 90 percent of cases, avalanches are directly triggered by a victim or someone else in the group.
Avoid crossing ice on lakes or rivers unless you are completely certain that the ice is thick enough to support the weight of a snowmobile. Drowning is the leading cause of death in snowmobile accidents. Do not trust the judgment of other riders; be responsible for your own safety. If you do decide to travel on ice, drive extra slowly and with added caution. Consider investing in a buoyant flotation snowmobile suit in case of an accident on ice.
To learn more about winter sports safety and avoiding accidents, visit the website of Iowa rel=nofollow [http://www.iowa-personalinjurylawyer.com/]personal injury lawyers LaMarca & Landry.
Joseph Devine
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Snowmobile-Safety&id=3847795] Snowmobile Safety