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RAILROAD CROSSING
Never ride on railroad tracks. It is illegal. Railroad tracks and railroad
rights-of-way are private property. A snowmobile is no match for a
train. When crossing a railroad track, stop, look and listen.
NIGHT RIDES
The amount of natural and artificial light at a given time can effect
your ability to see or to be seen. Nighttime snowmobiling is delight-
ful. It can be a unique experience if you acknowledge your reduced
visibility. Before you start, make certain your lights are clean and
working properly. Drive at speeds that will allow you to stop in time
when you see an unknown or dangerous object ahead. Stay on es-
tablished trails and
never
operate in unfamiliar territory. Avoid rivers
and lakes. Guy wires, barbed wire fences, cabled road entrances and
other objects such as tree limbs are difficult to see at night. Never
drive alone. Always carry a flashlight. Keep away from residential
areas and respect the right of others to sleep.
SAFARI RIDING
Before starting out, designate a “trail boss” to lead the party and
another person to follow-up. Ensure that all members of the party are
aware of the proposed route and destination. Make certain that you
are carrying all necessary tools and equipment and that you have
sufficient fuel to complete the trip. Never overtake the trail boss or,
for that matter, any other snowmobile. Use down-the-line hand sig-
nals to indicate hazards or intent of direction change. Assist others
whenever necessary.
Whenever a number of snowmobiles are together, it is important to
keep a safe distance between each. Always maintain a safe interval
and allow sufficient stopping distance. Don’t be a tailgater. Know the
position of the machine ahead.
SIGNALS
If you intend to stop, raise either hand straight above your head. A
left turn is indicated by extending your left hand straight out in the
proper direction. For right turns, extend the left arm and raise the
hand to a vertical position so it forms a right angle at the elbow. Every
snowmobiler should relay any signal to the ones behind.
MDD2002-001a.FM Page 17 Wednesday, January 3, 2001 9:39 AM
