MINNESOTA UNITED SNOWMOBILERS ASSOCIATION FOR THE SPORT OF IT

Minnesota United Snowmobilers Association Safety Tips

and Guidelines

In addition to recommending the safety certification classes, Minnesota United Snowmobilers Association (MnUSA) offers the following advice for snowmobilers as they head back to the trails this season.

Ride Straight – no alcohol or drugs

·even a small amount of alcohol can impair judgment and response time significantly

·drugs can impair judgment and response time

Know the trail or terrain and ride for the conditions

·many accidents involve hitting a fixed object, fence, tree, rock or other objects

·hidden objects on lakes hit at high speeds can result in serious accidents

·there is no such thing as 100% safe ice - riding on frozen lakes is especially dangerous early or late in the season

Slow it down, especially at night

·maximum speed allowed on public land, frozen waters, roadside ditches and groomed trails in Minnesota is 50 mph or as posted

·at night, speeds should be slower because of reduced visibility

·at 50 mph, riders need a football field – or 300 feet – to come to a complete stop

·don’t ride too closely – maintain space between snowmobiles to avoid collisions

·keep to the right – expect to meet snowmobilers coming toward you

Stay on marked snowmobile trails

·marked trails offer signs that alert snowmobilers to trail changes, stops, curves, etc.

·respect private property and stay on marked snowmobile trails – objects may be hidden under the snow off marked snowmobile trails

Sign up for a class – today

·it’s the law – any resident born after December 31, 1976 must take a Snowmobile Safety Certification course

·MnUSA and certified snowmobile club volunteers and the DNR offer Youth /Adult classes and CD training.

·for information about scheduled classes or to obtain an adult training CD, contact MnUSA at (763) 577-0185 or online at www.mnsnowmobiler.org or the DNR at 1-888-MINNDNR or 651-296-6257 online at www.dnr.state.mn.us