Snow Mobiles can be the ultimate rush: in an area with enough space and varied terrain, jetting along in a snow mobile is unequaled in terms of excitement, challenge and thrills. Snow mobiles are also just plain convenient for traveling where there is lots of snow. Obviously you're not going to cruise down Main Street in a snow mobile, but in rural areas a snow mobile just may be the transportation mode of choice.
Having said that - it's important to know that a snowmobile is only as safe as the person operating it. The key to safe operation is knowing your snowmobile, using good judgment, and respecting those around you.There are a lot of similarities between operating a snow mobile and driving a motorcycle or automobile. The big areas of concern involve registration, transportation, turning on the engine and driving skills. Let's try to cover the basics of each area in the following paragraphs. For more information contact the Department of Motor Vehicles in your local area.
Let's begin with a few words about snow mobile registration. It is not as easy as just purchasing a new or used snow mobile, hopping on and hitting the back roads
Registering your snowmobile is important and is required by the law in every state and province. Simply put -- you need to register your snowmobile in order to operate your snowmobile on the trails and areas open to the public. According to the American Council of Snow Mobile Associations your registration fee goes back into the state's/province's snowmobile program to provide trails and riding areas.
Once you have paid the registration fee, you will receive a certificate and adhesive decals to apply to your snowmobile. This certificate should be carried on the snowmobile. The decals are to be attached permanently to the snowmobile as directed by the information supplied with your certificate.
Furthermore, although states may vary - most DMV's require that you take a snowmobile certification course. Adult snowmobile safety certification is for snowmobile operators age 16 and over. Anyone born after transporting your snowmobile. It's recommended to use a trailer especially designed for transporting snowmobiles. There are 2-capacity tilt-bed trailers, 2-, 4- or higher capacity flat bed open trailers, and 2, 4, or higher capacity enclosed trailers. The tilt-bed trailers may be equipped with a winch system to assist with the loading of your snowmobile. Open flat bed trailers will come equipped with folding or self-storing ramps that allow snowmobiles to be driven on the trailer from the rear for loading and off the trailer in the front for unloading. And don't forget to check the weight limit of your trailer, the amount of required tire pressure, and your vehicle's towing capacity before you start.
O-k, so you've registered your snow mobile, you have properly mounted it and secured it to a trailer and you have arrived where you want to go so you can do some riding. Time to start your engines! Operating a snow mobile is easy but requires focus. When preparing to ride, consider the following:
- Point the snowmobile in a safe direction
- Be ready to start it by kneeling or sitting on the machine
- Check the throttle by depressing it at least once to be sure it isn't frozen. When released it should return quickly to the idle position
- Check all important switches like key and safety switches, which should be in the "on" positions
- Depending on the machine, choke or prime the engine if it is cold
- Always drive at speeds that will allow you to stop safely if a dangerous object appears. Adjust your speed to snow conditions, other riders and basic safety reasons. It is important to ride at safe speeds under all conditions, not just for night riding.
- Do not override your headlights, meaning that you are going so fast that you pass through the area illuminated by your headlights before you can stop safely. Your stopping distance is greater than 200 feet or whatever your headlights illuminate.
- Stay on all marked trails; follow trail signs, and speed limit signs while night riding. Be cautious when crossing roads and always be prepared to stop for anything at a moment's notice.
Snow mobil'ing this holiday season can be fun but it demands that you be an alert, responsible rider. Have fun and happy trails!
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