Recommendations for snowmobile safety

Question 1

When are kids safe to use snowmobiles?

Answer 1

The CPS recommends that children can only use snowmobiles when > 16 years. Prior to that they do not have the strength and skills to operate the machine safely

Question 2

What are the risks of snowmobiling?

Answer 2

Injuring, fractures and head injuries
Death
Drowning 
Frostbite and hypothermia
Burns associated with refuelling mishaps
Hearing loss from engine noise
White finger syndrome - secondary to vibration and cold

Question 3

What are some factors contributing to snowmobile injury

Answer 3

Operator error
Speeding
Inappropriate terrain
Night-time operation
Alcohol
Male

Question 4

What are the legal requirements for snowmobiles?

Answer 4

They need to be registered, although the details vary between provinces

Question 5

is there a minimum age legally for snowmobiling and do ppl need insurance?

Answer 5

The age varies significantly between provinces

The need for insurance varies between provinces

Question 6

Are operators legally obliged to wear any protective equipment?

Answer 6

Yes, helmets are required in most but not all provinces

Question 7

Are there any specific requirements for the snowmobile itself?

Answer 7

In most provinces - headlights, tail lights and stop lamps

Some - mufflers, breaks, mirror

Question 8

Are there speed limits for snowmobiles?

Answer 8

This is variable between provinces

Question 9

According to the CPS, are there any children who should not be passengers?

Answer 9

Children under 6 years of age do not have the strength or stamina to be passangers

Question 10

In the future, how can we improve snowmobile safety for those > 16 years?

Answer 10

• Graduated licensing
• Restrict newly licensed teens to daytime driving, on groomed trails and with zero tolerance of alcohol
• Speed limits
• Wear well insulated protective equipment and clothing (goggles, water proof suits, rubber bottom boots and helmets)
• First aid kit and emergency tool kit
• 1.2 - 2.4 m mouthed rod with flag
• Travel in groups
• Check weather
• Avoid snowmobiling on ice

Question 11

How many passengers is safe for snowmobiles?

Answer 11

1

Question 12

Is it safe to pull someone behind a snowmobile in a tube, sled, cancer, tire or skis?

Answer 12

No
If the need arises, you should use a hard rod to connect the sled to the snow mobile. You should travel at a slower speed and have a spotter

Question 13

What can the manufacturers improve about the safety of the snowmobile design?

Answer 13

• less noisy
• decrease vibration
• seat belts
• handlebar design
• improve headlight luminance
• add rear view mirror
• add GPS system
• improve helmet design and create safety standards