Safety Tips For Utica-Rome Area Snowmobilers

Living in the Utica-Rome area in winter has many advantages, especially if you're a snowmobiler. In fact, snowmobilers come from all over the country to enjoy the miles and miles of snowmobile trails we have here in central and northern New York.

Joe Raedle, Getty Images News

All too often, we learn about tragic snowmobile accidents and injuries, and to help make it a safer season, we'd like to share some snowmobile safety tips from Westbend/The Silver Lining:

" Be a defensive driver. Your helmet and engine noise can impair your hearing. Visibility is also reduced in conditions of snowfall, blowing snow and night driving.
Watch out for:
Thin ice and open water
Grooming equipment
Oncoming snowmobiles
Unforeseen obstacles beneath snow
Unexpected corners, intersections and stops
Road and railway crossings
Logging/Forestry operations
Snow banks and drifting snow
Trees and branches on the trail
Bridges and approaches
Wildlife and domestic animals
Other trail users (skiers, hikers)
Don't Drink and Ride. Snowmobiling requires alertness, caution, and attention.
Always wear outer clothing with reflective trim on the arms, back and helmet. Never ride alone at night.
Ice Riding
Drowning is one of the leading causes of snowmobile fatalities. Wherever possible, avoid riding on frozen lakes and rivers because ice conditions are never guaranteed. Ice conditions can change in a period of several hours. If you must cross ice, stay on the packed or marked trail.
Snow blindness occurs when direct and reflecting sun glare is too bright for the eyes. Riding without good quality, UV-protected sunglasses, goggles, or visor can cause permanent damage.
You can easily snowmobile beyond immediate help so basic repair kits are essential.
A cellular phone can be a terrific asset if trouble arises, but bear in mind that cell phones have limited service range."