Snowmobile Safety Tips

There are plenty of ways to have fun in the snow, but one of the most exhilarating ways is by riding a snowmobile! The thrills of riding a sled will keep your adrenaline pumping all winter long. But riding a powersports vehicle in cold weather can be dangerous. Ice and inclement weather can put you at risk. That’s why it’s important to stay safe and keep you wits about you.

At Nielsen Enterprises, we want you to stay safe every time you get on your machine. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of snowmobile safety tips. Keep reading to learn more. If you have any questions, give us a call at our location in Lake Villa, Illinois. From Chicago, Illinois to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, we’ll help you with all your snowmobile needs!

Proper Clothing

Whenever you’re going to be outside in the cold for a long period of time, it’s an important safety tip to stay warm and layer your clothing. Wearing one big and bulky coat may seem like a good idea, but it’s a better practice to wear several thinner, insulating layers to keep you warm and not restrict your movement. The outermost apparel should be windproof and waterproof. You don’t want to induce sweating, since this will make you more prone to hypothermia.

You should wear snow pants, snow boots, wool socks, and gloves with insulation. Make sure to pack extra socks and layers to change into in case you get wet. Wear a helmet with a hat underneath to keep your head protected and warm. Don’t forget goggles to keep your eyes safe from ice, snow, and other debris. 

Equipment

Another important part of snowmobile safety is having the right equipment. Pack some tools in case you need to make any quick repairs to your sled while out. This may include wrenches, screwdrivers, and a flashlight too. Bring a first aid kit to address minor injuries or illnesses. Don’t forget to bring along sufficient water to stay hydrated and snacks to stay fueled. An emergency radio is also a good idea, since your phone may not be able to get a signal.

Check the Forecast

Before you head out on any sledding trip, you should always check the weather forecast. This is a really important part of snowmobile safety that’s often overlooked! You don’t want to end up in a blizzard with limited visibility. High winds and blowing snow will make you more likely to crash. Even the most durable machines aren’t built for riding in storms.

Watch for Ice

When riding your rig, you’re bound to come across some ice. An important part of staying safe while riding is to avoid going over any patches of ice. If there is ice in the middle of a body of water, it’s thinner than the ice on the edge. This is because the shallow edges will freeze first, so they’re safer to ride on. It’s a good idea to avoid any ice if the temperatures have been above freezing for several days. You don’t want to risk falling through the ice.

Ice Breakthroughs

If you do break through the ice and fall into freezing water, it’s important to try to remain calm. You can still practice some safety measures. Swim towards the surface and kick your legs out towards the edge of the ice instead of trying to tread water. You need to get out of the water as fast as possible to avoid hypothermia. As soon as you can, pull yourself up and roll towards thicker ice. Don’t try to stand up or crawl. You want to disperse your weight over a big area to avoid cracking the ice.

Once you're on stable ground, take off your wet clothes and do some exercises to warm yourself up like push-ups or jumping jacks. Put on warm, dry clothes and get indoors.

We hope these safety tips will help you protect yourself every time you take your snowmobile out. If you have any questions, contact Nielsen Enterprises in Lake Villa, Illinois. We serve those from Chicago, Illinois to Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Let us help you with all your powersports needs!