Safety Tips
In addition to recommending the safety certification classes, 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 · 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 what is reasonable and prudent for conditions 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
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 - anyone born after December 31, 1976 must take a Snowmobile Safety Certification course · MnUSA and certified snowmobile club volunteers and the DNR offer Youth and Young Adult/Adult classes. · for information about scheduled classes,contact MnUSA at (763) 577-0185 or online at info@mnsnowmobiler.org or the DNR at 1-888-MINNDNR or online at www.dnr.state.mn.us