Any snowmobile rider that has taken a Red Cross Lifesaving course should appreciate this warning: Avoid frozen rivers and lakes. A body of water might seem frozen solid, but have unseen places where water flows along the edges. It could also have hidden cracks or uneven surfaces. In other words, it might break, if placed under a snowmobile’s weight.

Additional tips

If the posted speed limit is over 50 km/hour, a snowmobile should not go more than 50 km/hour. If the posted speed limit is 50 km/hour, the snowmobile’s speed should not exceed 20 km/hour.

Personal Injury Lawyer in Ottawa advice that you need to wear a helmet, along with goggles and gloves, if you are the driver. All passengers should also wear a helmet; that includes anyone that has chosen to ride something that is being pulled by a snowmobile. It is advised not to use a snowmobile while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Stay on the right-hand side of the trail.Tell someone where you are going; share details of your planned route.

Have a GPS, or take along a map and compass. Check on the amount of fuel in the snowmobile’s fuel tank before hitting the trail. Check on the weather report, as well. Stay home, if you hear or read predictions of bad weather. Dress warmly; do not forget to wear boots. Also, remember to wear reflective clothing at night.

Bring a first aid kit with you and learn how to use the kit’s contents. Bring another kit with emergency supplies: flashlight, whistle, matches, extra clothing, energy foods and rope. Carry the owner’s manual with you, so that you can identify the source of a problem. Learn how to use a tool kit for making simple repairs.

Slow down at night; your light can only reveal objects that are a certain distance ahead of you. Never ride alone. Learn the hand signals that you can use, when wanting to communicate with others in your group.

Understand who can be riding snowmobiles.

A child that is less than 12 years old can on ride such a vehicle, if that same child has a valid MSVOL, and makes a point of staying on the designated trails.

A child that is under 12 years of age, but lacks an MSVOL must stay within the boundaries of a private property. It can be the family’s property, or land owned by a friend or relative.

A rider that is at least 16 years of age can travel along the designated trails, and can also cross roads. The same person has been granted permission to travel on certain roadways.

Some of the people that ride snowmobiles view that particular experience as a recreational activity. Others rely on the capabilities displayed by snowmobiles, when transporting items over snow-covered terrain.