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Snowmobiling Event Stresses Safety First

January 14, 2009 - GLENBURN -- International Snowmobile Safety Week encourages local clubs, organizations and others in the snowmobile industry to make safety foremost in the minds of all snowmobilers by holding workshops, classes, trail safety checks and special safety rides.

The event has been going on since 1992. Since 1995, it has been sponsored by the International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association, which includes the companies of Artic Cat, Polaris, Ski-doo and Yamaha.

"We sponsor this week to help make safety a 'top-of-the-mind awareness' issue for snowmobilers. Whenever they are going snowmobiling, they should be thinking about safety," said Edward Klim, the president of ISMA, whose organization has printed and distributed a wealth of information about snowmobile safety and is based in Haslett, Mich. "This event makes everyone more aware of snowmobile safety."

In Maine, it is not required by law that snowmobilers take a snowmobile safety course, but courses are offered around the state for those who wish to voluntarily take the class. Marion Pinkham, the Safety Chair for the Maine Snowmobile Association, thinks the classes are a good idea, especially for younger riders. Pinkham's club, the Glenburn Lakeside Riders, is sponsoring a trail safety check from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 22 at the Village Variety Store on Broadway in Glenburn.

"Safety starts with the thumb and the throttle. It is up to the person," said Pinkham. "It isn't the sport of snowmobiling that is dangerous. It depends on who is driving the sled. It is the same thing with the operation of a vehicle. Common sense is the key to safety. Percentage-wise, snowmobiling is a safe sport."

When there is an accident or a fatality – especially when it involves a younger rider, the sport of snowmobiling makes the news. Two teenagers died in Maine last month in two separate accidents.

"These are tragic accidents, and we don't like to see anyone killed or injured on a snowmobile. When the fatalities involve kids, it makes it even worse. Teenagers often feel infallible and think that nothing is ever going to happen to them. There is a reason why insurance companies charge more for teenage drivers," said Eileen Lafland, the past safety chair and present Eastern region vice president of the MSA. "Adults need to set the example for the younger generation for driving a snowmobile, just as for driving a car. For the number of snowmobiles registered in Maine, our safety record is very good. Adults have to educate the younger generation. It goes back to the right-thumb mentality, because the right thumb is what gauges the gas and controls the speed of the snowmobile."

Manufacturers have done much to improve the safety of snowmobiles over the past several years. All snowmobiles are manufactured according to strict safety standards – SAE, which writes all standards for automobiles, boats, trains, etc. Every year those standards are updated. All testing is done by a third party – U.S. Testing in New Jersey – and then certified.

"The snowmobiles have improved riding characteristics and balance capabilities along with all the newest technology," said Klim. "Everything is up to the highest of standards."

Still, there are fatalities every season. There are things each rider can do to ensure his or her safety.

"The No. 1 thing is to not drink and drive – that is the leading issue we deal with. When we are not drinking, we are much safer with everything we do. We also tell people to know the ice conditions. Be aware of the ice thickness. Also, when at night, slow down. Always stay on the designated trail or riding area," said Klim. "Fatalities are the result of accidents, which are the result of certain behaviors and as long as we are human beings we are going to make mistakes. We can work hard at not making mistakes as well as educating our friends and ourselves."

For more information about International Snowmobile Safety Week, visit www.snowmobile.org.

For a list of snowmobile safety courses in your area, visit www.state.me.us.

For more information about upcoming snowmobiling events, visit the Maine Snowmobile Association Web site at www.mesnow.com.


CATHY GENTHNER, Portland Press Herald, January 8, 2009

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