Driving Tips > Safety Columns
Safe Snowmobiling
An unseasonably mild winter is making snowmobiling conditions more dangerous. Manitoba has already experienced five fatalities related to snowmobile use in the province.
Plan
ahead
Inform others of your destination and estimated arrival time. Check your machine’s mechanical condition. Wear appropriate cold weather clothing and a properly fitting helmet approved for snowmobile use. Carry repair, first aid and survival equipment.
Check conditions in advance
Check trail conditions at www.snoman.mb.ca, the website of Snoman (Snowmobilers of Manitoba Inc.). The safest place to sled is on the provincial trail system. Buy Snoman’s Snopass, which provides access to 11,000 kilometres of groomed trails.
Communicate on the trail
Use standard hand signals to communicate with snowmobiles behind you and oncoming riders.
Beware of ice
Stick to marked trails to be sure you cross rivers and lakes at safe locations and avoid ice that is slushy.
Be safe near roads
When driving a snowmobile in a ditch, be sure you are traveling in the same direction as traffic on the adjacent roadway.
Ride defensively
It’s harder to see and be seen at night, so slow down. Never operate a snowmobile after drinking alcohol.
Learn more about safe operating procedures by enrolling in the Safety Services Manitoba’s Snowmobile Operator’s Training Program (supported by Manitoba Public Insurance). Contact the council at (204) 949-1085, 1-800-661-3321, www.mbsafety.org.
For more information, watch The 60-Second Driver on CTV and check out the following sections on our website:
