14
SAFETY
Operator Safety
Driver Awareness
Slow down when traveling near poles, posts, or other obstacles. Be
especially alert if you're snowmobiling after dark. Always be on the
alert for wire fences. Single strands are especially dangerous, since there
may be a great distance between posts. Guy wires on utility poles are
also difficult to distinguish.
Make sure the way is clear before crossing
railroads and other roads and highways. The
noise of your snowmobile will drown out the
sound of approaching vehicles. Look ahead,
behind, and to both sides before turning or
crossing railroad tracks or highways. Steep
embankments may also hide your view. Always
leave yourself a way out.
Variances in snow depth and/or water currents may result in uneven ice
thickness. You may drown if you break through the ice. Never travel on
frozen bodies of water unless you have first verified that the ice is
sufficiently thick to support the weight and moving force of the
snowmobile, you and your cargo, together with any other vehicles in
your party. Always check with local authorities and residents to confirm
ice conditions and thickness over your entire route. Snowmobile
operators assume all risk associated with ice conditions on frozen bodies
of water.
When teaching inexperienced operators to ride, set up a predetermined
course for practice. Make sure they know how to drive and control the
snowmobile before allowing them to make longer trips. Teach them
proper snowmobile courtesy, and enroll them in driver's training and
safety courses.
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