Although snowmobiling is a fun-filled winter recreational activity, it can result in severe, permanent injuries or even loss of life. In the United States, snowmobile accidents account for 14,000 injuries and 200 fatalities each year during the winter season.
Snowmobile Popularity and Dangers
Besides creating fun-packed, family-friendly outdoor activities, snowmobiles are reliable means of transportation in regions with chilly winter climates and large stacks of snow. Over two million people in the United States ride snowmobiles frequently during the winter season to explore the outdoors and traverse the snow-covered area.
Snowmobiling exposes riders to serious risks because of the vehicle’s weight, swiftness, absence of structural protections, and capability to overturn and become airborne. Most snowmobile accidents tend to happen during chilly conditions and intense snowfall with inadequate visibility. When they happen, these accidents result in serious injuries such as head injuries, traumatic brain injuries, fractured or broken bones, knee, back, and neck injuries, disabilities, and even death.
If a person is injured in a snowmobile accident caused by manufacturing defects and mechanical malfunction, he or she can receive compensation for injuries and damages by suing the at-fault person or entity. The injured person should seek the help of a personal injury lawyer to increase the chances of the claim becoming successful.
Snowmobiling Safety Tips
The International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association (ISMA) supports safety during snowmobiling by frequently issuing precautions that help lower the risk of accidents and injuries. Some of the most important snowmobiling safety measures include:
Taking a Safety Course
In most places, a person must provide a safety course certificate or license before he or she is allowed to ride a snowmobile. However, even if it isn’t mandatory, taking at least a short safety course to avoid injuries and gain a clear understanding of the activity itself is a wise decision.
Assessing the Weather and Known Trails
Harsh weather conditions and dangerous trails increase the risk of wintertime injuries by making riding a snowmobile hard. A snowmobiler should, therefore, avoid riding during harsh weather conditions and on untested and dangerous trails.
Wearing the Right Safety Gear
A snowmobiler should put on the right safety clothing and gear. These safety gears include a helmet, goggles, quality water repellent boots, warm gloves, and a windproof outer layer.
Examining the Snowmobile
Although a snowmobiler might not be an approved mechanic, he or she can discover many things by just looking. If the snowmobiler discovers anything unusual on the snowmobile, he or she should notify the person in charge and avoid driving it.
Riding with a Partner
Bringing someone familiar with the trails and the snowmobiling activity itself will make the experience more enjoyable and memorable. In case of a problem, there will be someone to assist the snowmobiler or call for help.
Studies have shown that snowmobiling can be safer when snowmobilers follow the recommended safety measures. With the right safety precautions, plenty of snowmobiling injuries can be avoided. However, if a snowmobile accident occurs because of negligence or recklessness of another individual, company, or entity, the injured party can file a compensation claim against the at-fault party.