Snowmobiling is a great winter pastime and a favorite activity of many people. It can be a fun and enjoyable activity. However, just like with driving cars, drivers and passengers need to exercise safety precautions when driving. We should know how to distinguish hazards while driving on the trails, and to avoid them. Having this knowledge could help save our lives when driving on the trails. Take not of the following tips:

– Remember to obey all the signs that are on the trail.

– Never drive on the road shoulders.

– Keep an eye out for guy wires. Guy wires are cables that hold the power lines down to the ground. Usually, they are easy to spot as they are equipped with bright markers. However, you should still be careful because it may be that the markers had been buried in snowdrifts, or maybe these covers had become damaged or had been removed. Also, darkness, snow or fog might make it very difficult to see and avoid guy wires until the very last second.

– Always drive at a safe speed. Take extra care when driving around or near power lines. Always keep away from a down power line or anything nearby or in contact with a fallen power line. You should not drive over a fallen power line, no matter the circumstance. If you see anyone in contact with a fallen power line, refrain from touching him or her. Instead, you should call for help immediately.

– You should never attempt to move a fallen power line. Even if you use a material that is non-conductive, the electric line could still carry high voltage currents of electricity. This is very, very dangerous so it is better to leave it alone.

– Stay away from substations as well as other electric and hydro facilities.

– Do not travel over frozen rivers and lakes until the proper authorities declare them safe for you to travel over? Even if the ice has reached the minimum required thickness, there may be parts or where the ice is thinner, or there might be pressure ridges, or slush could show up without any warning. So always remember to do a regular check and look behind you. If ever you see any dark patches, you should immediately get off the ice.

– Always stick to the trails or stay in the designated areas where snowmobiling is permitted. Do not take unnecessary short cuts or trespass; sometimes a “short cut” might actually cause you more delay than save you time. Using a short cut which you are unfamiliar with is fraught with danger. Or it could be that you have used the said short cut once or twice before. You are then not yet completely familiar with it and with all the snow around, you might miss a turn and get lost. If something should happen to you while on the short cut, the possibility of someone else passing by to help is less than if you were on the trail.

– Always wear the proper gear when going snowmobiling. Use an appropriately certified helmet as well as a visor or goggles. Be sure to wear warm, suitably layered clothing.

– Do not forget to bring emergency supplies. You should also know some first aid and survival skills.

Remember it is always fun racing in the ice and the snow whether its for a day of ice fishing at Lake Manitoba Narrows or just friendly racing with friends. Yet a moments lapse of care and attention to wintertime snowmobiling safety can lead to inconvenience and worse yet needless tragedy. Respect both the powers of mother nature and winter time cold.

Author Bio: Jadran Z. Transcona Fish Lake Manitoba Narrows Walleye Carp and Freshwater Drum Known for its superb fishing, Lake Manitoba Narrows is a master anglers paradise Ice Fishing Lake Winnipeg Experienced Canadian Local