Staying Safe on your Snowmobile
Snowmobiles are fast and furious machines of snow tearing, fun inducing, excitement, and Golden Spike Powersports wants to make sure you get home safe from your next adventure. We are going go over our top safety tips with you and talk about what safety equipment you want to make sure and have on the trail, how to be a smart rider, and dealing with ice. If you have any other questions or need some gear to make sure you are safe on the trail swing by our dealership location in Tremonton, Utah, near Salt Lake City, Logan, Ogden, and Layton, UT as well as Pocatello and Twin Falls, Idaho.
Be Equipped
Before heading out in the snow, make sure you’ve got the gear you need. Start by dressing properly. Multiple layers will help you keep comfortable while you ride, and a windproof outer layer will keep the chill at bay once you’re moving. You should also make sure you’ve got a good helmet that fits properly and comfortably, with a UV resistant visor, (or a set of UV resistant goggles if your visor is clear). You should also have basic survival equipment, including water and extra food. For your snowmobile, you’ll want to make sure you’re ready for just about anything, so bring along a spare belt, extra spark plugs, a tool kit with extra wrenches/nuts/bolts for your snowmobile, your manufacturer’s tool kit, a tow rope, a pry bar, a roll of duct tape, and a small knife. Your cell phone is always a great addition to your kit, but don’t count on it in an emergency.
Be Smart
Staying safe means staying alert, so the number one rule you should follow is ride sober. There are plenty of critical decisions you have to make throughout a day of snowmobiling, and plenty of opportunities for an unaware rider to get hurt. Stay sober and alert so you can make the best decision as the need arises. Next to staying sober, riding with a friend is one of the best choices you can make to ensure your safety. If you get hurt, or suffer a breakdown, having someone who can get you to safety, or at the very least go for help can mean you’re alive to tell the story someday. Even when riding with a friend, make sure you tell someone (or multiple people) where you’ll be riding (the route, not just a general area), what you’re riding, and when you expect to be back. If the kind folks at Search and Rescue know where to come looking, you may have a fighting chance in an emergency.
Dealing with Ice
Ice is one of the most dangerous hazards a snowmobiler can face. As a general rule, never take your snowmobile out onto the ice. There are plenty of reasons for this: First, no matter how big the lugs on your track are, you’ll have really poor traction, this can easily lead to a collision, so don’t be lulled into thinking that a wide open lake is going to be a safe place to ride. Never take ice for granted. Over the course of a day thickness can vary dangerously, so don’t assume that river you ride over in the morning will be frozen in the afternoon. If you break through the ice: Don’t Panic, kick horizontally towards the edge of the ice (don’t try and tread water, you don’t have time for that). When you reach the edge of the ice, place your arms and hands on the edge and spread your weight as much as possible, then kick your way onto the ice. From the edge DON’T STAND UP, roll your way to thicker ice, or the edge of the water. At this point, find shelter immediately. Hypothermia is a deadly condition, and it will sap your strength and mental faculties in minutes. Find a warm, dry location, and if possible, seek immediate medical attention.
These are just a few tips that we have for your when you hit the trail this winter, if you want more insight or need to pick up some gear swing by our dealership and chat with our amazing staff who are happy to help you ensure that you have all the fun the snowy trail has to offer while still staying safe. We are located in Tremonton, Utah, near Salt Lake City, Logan, Ogden, and Layton, UT as well as Pocatello and Twin Falls, Idaho.