Minnesota DNR urges snowmobile safety

Minnesota DNR urges snowmobile safety

The Minnesota DNR wants to make sure you stay safe while riding the snow this winter.

Numerous conditions must align before trails are groomed and ready for snowmobiles.

There are requirements for how much snow is needed for both trail groomers and regular snowmobiles:

  • The ground must be frozen.
  • Where trails cross wetlands, 15 inches of ice are needed to support the weight of trail groomers.
  • Adequate snow cover of about 12 inches must be on the ground to allow for trail packing and grooming.
  • Trails must be cleared of fallen trees, signs put in place and gates opened.

As of this writing, the DNR reports that few of these trail grooming requirements have been met in Minnesota, especially in central and southern regions of the state.

Safety experts also are reminding riders to always be weather-aware and stay on designated snowmobile trails.

Snowmobile safety tips:

Don’t drink alcohol and ride

Alcohol is a factor in over 60% of all fatal accidents in Minnesota, as well as many non-deadly snowmobile accidents. Alcohol and drugs have a negative effect on the driver’s vision, balance, coordination, and reaction time. Don’t ride with people who drink and ride! Minnesota is part of a larger coalition of snowmobiling states that support ‘Zero Alcohol’ consumption before or during your ride.

Never ride alone

Always ride with a friend on another snowmobile. This way if one machine is disabled, you have another to get help.

Dress for safety & survival

Always wear a quality DOT helmet and facemask. Wear layers of clothing to keep warm and dry. Snowmobile suits, bibs, jackets, gloves and mittens should cut the wind, repel water and keep you ventilated.

Slow down

Excessive speed is a major factor in many accidents, especially at night. To help avoid accidents, keep your night time speed under 40 MPH.

Stay to the right

Almost every trail is a “two way” trail. So stay to the far right of the trail, especially on hills and corners. Obey all trail signs and cross roadways with extreme caution.

Stay on the trail or stay home

Trespassing is a major complaint about snowmobilers and can result in trail closure. Always stay on designated snowmobile trails. Venturing off of trails can result in accidents. Only ride private property when you have landowners permission.

Riding on ice – lakes & rivers

It is safest to avoid riding on lakes and rivers. If you must ride on ice, wear a life jacket over your outer clothing. Stay on the marked trail and stay off of ice that has moving water (current) near or under it – ice in these areas may be thin and weak.

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources