Snowmobile Safety

Here in Northern Michigan we are at the beginning of what looks to be one of the best snowmobiling seasons in recent memory. The Traverse City Record Eagle recently published a forum piece by Bill Manson who is the Executive Director of the Michigan Snowmobile Association. Mr. Manson outlined a number of important safety tips that are especially relevant as we close in on Christmas. Mr. Manson noted that Christmas is a time of year that brings families together and with kids being on Christmas break, we’ll have lots of different age groups of riders on Michigan’s trails and roads.

In case you missed the forum piece, the Michigan Snowmobile Association reminded riders of the following safety tips:

1. With more family gatherings this time of year, this means more snowmobiles and younger riders will be using the state’s trail system. Some of these younger riders will, of course, be less experienced than others, and supervising your minors is critical for their safety.

2. If a snowmobile operator is under the age of 12 years, Michigan law requires them to be supervised by an adult even if they are riding on private property owned by the parent or guardian.

3. Snowmobile operators between the ages of 12 and 17 years, can drive a snowmobile if they have a valid snowmobile safety certificate in their immediate possession or under the direct supervision of a person who is at least 21 years of age.

4. County sheriff deputies will be monitoring and patrolling area trails and roads. Zero tolerance for alcohol and snowmobiling will be strictly enforced at all times. An infraction for operating while under the influence will count against that individual’s motor vehicle operators license.

5. When operating snowmobiles off of private property, stay on the marked, groomed trails and do not trespass on private property.

6. If you are involved in an accident while snowmobiling, click here for tips on how to handle the situation.