AWSC BELIEVES IN SAFE & RESPONSIBLE SNOWMOBILING
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.
Drive at moderate speeds, and drive defensively, especially after sunset.
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Snowmobile Safety Always Top-of-Mind Awareness
Snowmobiling is in full stride around the world and now is the time for snowmobilers to keep snowmobile safety a top-of-mind awareness issue. Snowmobile safety is nothing new to organized snowmobiling. Snowmobile Administrators, the Manufacturers, snowmobile associations and clubs joined together years ago in developing the Safe Riders! You make snowmobiling safe safety campaign which brought safe snowmobiling practices, training and enforcement to a new level. The Safe Riders! campaign, designed by snowmobilers for snowmobilers is financially supported by the snowmobile manufacturers. The campaign includes safety related materials such as decals, posters, the Safe Riders! DVD, public service announcements, and more. Millions of Safe Riders! Snowmobiling Fact Books and posters have been distributed throughout the world to safety trainers and clubs and associations - free of charge- from the manufacturers' ISMA office. Thousands of the Safe Riders! You make snowmobiling safeÔ 22-minute safety DVDs have been sent to safety trainers and safety minded snowmobilers worldwide. The DVD is an excellent adjunct tool for snowmobile safety classes. They are available by contacting the ISMA Office through our web site www.snowmobile.org.
This year, International Snowmobile Safety Week is January 13-19, 2008. A Safety Week Manual has been designed to give clubs and associations guidance in how to plan and hold safety programs. The Safety Week Manual can be downloaded from the ISMA Web site www.snowmobile.org. The campaign is only as good as the instructors and the support received from the community. Thankfully the instructor base is expanding and the support of government and enforcement officials is exceptional.
Snowmobiling accidents and fatalities have continued to decline over the past three years and statistics show there is more than a 30% reduction in accidents and fatalities while snowmobiling over the last 6 years. The Safe Riders! campaign highlights key issues of importance for snowmobile safety. The position statements are concise and easy to understand. They include:
- Snowmobiling and Alcohol don't mix - don't drink and ride
- When night riding slow down - expect the unexpected
- Know before you go - always check local ice conditions
- Cross all roads with care - don't become road-kill
- One is the loneliest number - never ride alone
- Know the risks and be prepared - make every trip a round trip
- Ride smart ride right - stay in control
- Smart Riders are Safe Riders - always take snowmobile safety training
Recreational snowmobiling has become the winter recreation lifestyle choice for millions of families worldwide. We encourage all snowmobilers to take a minute and make safety a top-of-mind awareness issue. Familiarize yourself with your snowmobile and the area that you will be riding, dress properly, and follow the above mentioned campaign guidelines.
Please remember if you would like any of the Safe Riders! posters, decals, fact books or the safety
DVD please visit www.snowmobile.org and let us know.
American Council of Snowmobile Associations (ACSA) is a national
organization that was formed to unite the snowmobile community.
Drowning is one cause of snowmobile fatalities.
When not familiar with the thickness of the ice or water currents, avoid these areas.
If you ride on ICE PLEASE go to this link and watch the videos on
Snowmobile Water Safety about half way down the page.
Snowmobile Water Safety Videos
Dr. Giesbrecht acted as a Cold Weather Columnist for the Discovery Channel Canada. Three educational video presentations were created. These videos may be used for educational purposes only and may not be sold or rented.
Cold Water Survival -
Strategies for survival if you fall through the ice.
You’re Out, Now What?
How to survive a night in the forest after losing your snowmobile through the ice.
Getting That Sinking Feeling -
The importance of proper outerwear to keep you afloat and alive when snowmobiling.
Always use the buddy system. NEVER RIDE alone or unaccompanied.
Point - your snowmobile in a safe direction.
Steering - move handlebar from side to side make sure ski are moving freely.
Throttle - check cable for worn spots and fraying wires. Squeeze and make sure it returns easily.
Brakes - Squeeze and make sure it returns easily. If a cable look for warn spots and fraying wires.
Wear sensible, protective clothing designed for snowmobiling.
Never wear long scarves. They my get caught in moving parts of the track or hook trees.
Use a full-size helmet, goggles, or face shield to prevent injuries from twigs, stones, ice chips and flying debris.
Before you go make sure headlight and brake light are working and free of snow and reflectors are in place for easy visibility at night.
ALWAYS CHECK EMERGENCY STOP SWITCH - kill switch or shut-off switch if needed in an emergency.
Don't follow that mystery track.
Don't tow without a stiff hitch.
Don't challenge cars, trucks or trains at crossing.
Don't tail-gate another snowmobile.
Please note: For Information Only
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