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RoadSmart Report | February, 2004
Have a safe sledding season
With the recent fatal snowmobile fatalities in Saskatchewan, SGI
is reminding riders to put safety first when snowmobiling.
"Snowmobiling is one of the province’s most popular
winter activities, but it can result in serious injury if people
aren’t riding safely," said Shannon Ell, SGI’s
Supervisor of Traffic Safety Promotion. "The good news is that
riders can lower their chances of being injured or killed in a crash
by following a few simple rules and using common sense."
One of the biggest safety issues for snowmobile riders is speeding.
The snowmobile speed limit on groomed trails is 80 km/h, but that
is only under ideal conditions. Riders should maintain a speed that
allows sufficient time to stop if unforeseen hazards arise.
Another serious safety problem is impaired riding.
"Just like a vehicle, you should never operate a snowmobile
after consuming alcohol or drugs," says Ell. "It’s
dangerous for you and for other riders."
Safety experts agree that the one of the most effective ways to
prevent serious injury in a snowmobile crash is to always wear a
helmet. In Saskatchewan, helmets are required by law for all snowmobile
operators and passengers.
It is also the law that children 12 to 15 years of age must be
supervised and must complete a safety course before being allowed
to operate a snowmobile in public areas.
"A safety course is a good idea for any new rider or an experienced
rider who wants to refresh their skills," recommends Ell.
The Saskatchewan Safety Council, one of SGI’s partners in
safety, offers safety courses that teach riders how to prevent snowmobile
collisions and give them the know-how necessary for survival on
trails. The Safety Council has instructors all over the province.
The first part of the course is taught in a classroom, while part
two involves hands-on training. The course costs $50 for individuals
and $110 for families, which includes GST. For more information,
contact the Saskatchewan Safety Council at (306) 757-3197.
The cost of the course is well worth the money to ensure your
safety. Between January 1999 and December 2003, there were 331 snowmobile
collisions in Saskatchewan that resulted in casualties – 354
injuries and 25 deaths. Alcohol was a factor in 16 of the 25 fatalities.
Contact:
Shannon Ell
Supervisor, Traffic Safety Promotion
SGI
Regina
(306) 775-6179
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