Snowmobile Accidents Are Preventable

Few would argue the fact that snowmobiling is a highly enjoyable and pleasurable pastime. It provides an opportunity for friends and families to enjoy the great out-of-doors and travel together the many miles of snowmobile trails available within the state. Trips can be planned for an all day outing or a several days ride and exploration trip. It is also a great machine for those who enjoy ice-fishing, as I have used them in past years. Unfortunately, there are consequences that arise when an operator gets into an accident that could have been prevented. 

A recent accident last month (January 22, 2010) took the life of a 52 year-old man when he lost control of his snowmobile, causing it to roll and crash while crossing Highland Lake in the town of Stoddard, New Hampshire. Fish and Game officials found that he was not wearing a helmet and that speed and variable ice conditions may have contributed to his loss of control and subsequent crash. 

Due to an increase in nighttime snowmobile incidents and complaints, the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department’s Law Enforcement Division will be increasing patrols in an effort to reduce incidents. According to Fish and Game Department Conservation Officer, Tim Acerno, coordinator for the Department’s Off-Highway Recreational Vehicle Program, the winter of 2002-2003 was the deadliest Northern New England snowmobile season in 12 years. There were a total of 28 snowmobile-related deaths in Maine, Vermont and New Hampshire. Some of those deaths were children. 

“For one thing, children should be highly supervised until they build up their experience and confidence levels high enough to be able to deal with the unexpected. Even if kids have completed a snowmobile safety class, they still need adult oversight and the chance to gain even more experience,” Major Acerno stated. Experience prepares snowmobilers to handle a variety of conditions that they encounter on the trail or off. Just as new winter drivers sometimes hit the car brakes on an icy patch of road, inexperienced snowmobile riders can react to hazardous situations in many ways that jeopardize their safety. That is why Major Acerno recommends that all new snowmobilers get in plenty of trail time in the company of more experienced operators

before heading out onto the trails own their own. 

“One of the ways to do this is to join a snowmobile club, participate in club activities and take advantage of group rides to get out on the trails with experienced riders,” Acerno stated. To find out how to become involved with a snowmobile club of your choice, visit the website: www.nhsa.com. And click onto New Hampshire Snowmobile Association. 

Major Acerno also says another key to snowmobile safety is selecting the right machine. “Make sure that you choose a snowmobile that is appropriate for your particular level of experience and the type of riding you wish to do. A new rider, or someone who has not been on a snowmobile in a long time, is headed for trouble heading out onto the trails with more horsepower than he or she can handle.” New Hampshire offers 6,830 miles of groomed snowmobile trails.

For most people, moderately powered “Touring” snowmobiles are all that is ever needed. Inexperienced riders should not be taking off on those powerful sport machines with rapid

acceleration. It’s a recipe for disaster,” Acerno said. For help in choosing a machine that meets your riding needs, consult with an authorized snowmobile dealer, call your local snowmobile club or contact the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department at: (603) 271-3129. 

Another safety concern is when ice and snow conditions become unpredictable. With icy trails and occasional bare patches of ground, riders need to carefully adhere to speed limits (maximum is 45 miles per hour on trails, 10 mph at trail intersections (or as posted), be prepared to slow down for icy turns and stay on designated trails. In 2004, several adult riders left designated trails and fell through the ice at Hopkinton-Everett Flood Control Area. These weren’t fatal incidents, but the riders were plenty wet and cold. According to Major Acerno, if you stay on a designated trail, the snowmobile clubs will generally have hazards clearly marked so that you can avoid them. 

Major Acerno strongly recommends checking trail conditions before you head out to snowmobile, most especially if you are planning to ride in an unfamiliar area. You can get an update from your computer by visiting the N.H. Bureau of Trails website at:
http://www.nhtrails.org or by calling the New Hampshire Snowmobile Association hotline, which is updated twice a week. Their number is: (603) 740-5050. 

The importance of checking ahead for trail conditions was demonstrated several years ago when an irresponsible snowmobiler crashed through the ice on Opechee Lake and sent his machine to the bottom of the cove. Had he visited the Bureau of Trails website before he headed out, he would have read the clear warning that New Hampshire lakes and ponds were not completely frozen over at that time and that snowmobilers should stay off the ice. Although this rider survived, he had to spend $350.00 to have his machine removed from the lake. A crash through the ice can not only result in costly recovery and repair charges, it can damage the water quality and also presents an unnecessary risk of life for the driver and/or passenger as well as to the rescue personel involved. 

Our Fish and Game Department coordinates free snowmobile courses across the state to encourage safe and responsible riding. Classes are required for all riders over age 12 who don’t have a driver’s license. Courses and OHRV laws are listed on New Hampshire Fish and Game’s website at: www.wildlife.state.nh.us. Enjoy this winter’s snow and remember to ride responsibly and be safe. 

Bob Harris can be reached via e-mail at: outwriter2@aol.com

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