Snowmobile Safety Week January 18-26, 2020

Posted on December 30, 2019 by - Maine, Safety Tips, Uncategorized



Snowmobiling is a great way to get outside and enjoy Maine winters.  With over 14,000 miles of trails across the state, you can discover the beauty of Maine from a unique vantage point.  Maine has over 290 snowmobile clubs that maintain and groom the trails.  Often these clubs host a number of social events and promote snowmobile education.

Snowmobile Safety Week, January 18-26

Snowmobile safety is a top priority in preventing accidents.  After all, even one snowmobile fatality is one too many.  Multiple news outlets reported that 2019 was one of the deadliest in Maine, including this article in The County.  Each year the International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association (ISMA) sponsors Snowmobile Safety Week.  The purpose is to expose snowmobilers to safe practices and demonstrate how to safely operate snowmobiles. 

Below is a list of safe snowmobiling practices:

1.      Never consume alcohol or drugs before or during snowmobiling.
2.     Become familiar with the snowmobile you ride.
3.     Operate at safe and reasonable speeds.
4.     Stay on trails and areas where snowmobiling is permitted.
5.     Avoid travel on unfamiliar frozen bodies of water.
6.     Use extra caution at night.
7.     Keep your snowmobile properly maintained.
8.     Become familiar with the terrain you will travel on.
9.     Listen to the weather forecast before you leave.
10.   Always wear a helmet and proper clothing.
11.    Never ride alone, and let someone know where you are going and when you plan to return.
12.    Carry emergency supplies and learn survival skills.

Additional Resources

  • Watch these 13 instructional videos produced by ISMA to educate snowmobilers on the basics of snowmobiling safety: 13 videos on snowmobile safety.
  • Consider taking one of the certified courses offered by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife: Snowmobile Safety Courses.
  • Familiarize yourself with the Maine Snowmobile Laws.  All Maine residents and non-residents must register their snowmobiles in Maine to ride in Maine.

Are you properly insured?

Even when taking all precautions, some mishaps can occur.  Be sure to have your insurance up to date.  Recreational vehicles such as snowmobiles need to have their own insurance policy.  If you have questions about obtaining or upgrading a policy, don’t hesitate to give us a call.

We wish you a fun and safe snowmobiling season!