Think safety

Every year, you hear about snowmobile tragedies - or near-tragedies - through the national and provincial media, and this season is no exception.

Just a couple of weeks ago, a young girl was involved in a fatal snowmobile accident in central Newfoundland, and with the recent snowfall this past weekend, the buzz of snowmobiles in the area has increased drastically.

Therefore, it's appropriate to provide you with these cautionary reminders to help keep yourself and your loved ones safe this winter.

First of all, you have to remember a snowmobile is a motor vehicle just like a car or truck. However, when you put some people on a snowmobile, for some unknown reason, they do things on ponds and trails they would never dream of doing behind the wheel of an automobile.

And while alcohol wasn't a factor in the most recent accident, it is in far too many snowmobile incidents. Everyone is very much aware of the dangers of drinking and driving when operating a car or truck, but one also has to keep in mind, it is the cause of many snowmobile accidents that result in injuries and deaths.

Just like driving a car, there are provincial government regulations in place for snowmobile use, including speed limits, areas of operation, trail permits, and a legal limit for blood-alcohol levels. These need to be adhered to in order to keep snowmobile operators safe.

It is always a good plan to stick to marked, known trails, and let someone know where you're going and when you expect to get there. Try to travel in as much daylight as possible, and, once again, do not drink and drive under any circumstances.

It's also important to keep your speed below the allowable limit, as this is not only a safe practice but also gives riders an opportunity to view the scenery and enjoy the experience.

It's been said many times before, but when travelling across lakes and ponds, test the ice to ensure its thickness, and if you're not sure, then find an alternate route instead of straight across the body of water. Just because there's been snow and it's been cold, doesn't mean there's sufficient ice to support the weight of a snowmobile and its passengers.

This winter is really only beginning, and over the past number of years, temperatures have fluctuated to create instability in the ice formation. It's important to remember that just because it's nearing mid-February, it should not be assumed the lakes, ponds, streams and rivers are frozen solid.

While these are reminders to help avoid accidents, sometimes accidents do occur, and it's also important to know how to respond, especially if you or someone you're travelling with goes through the ice.

To start with, call for help.

If you're the one not in the water, try to use a pole, rope or a tree branch to try to pull the person to safety. Crawl slowly toward the person, but don't get too near the open water. Get them to grab the reaching device and kick with their legs as you try to pull them out. Once out of the water and on solid ground, move them to a dry, warm location and help them warm up by providing dry, warm clothes and giving them warm liquids. Get medical attention as soon as possible.

While all of these things will help you avoid a potential deadly accident, or possibly save a life if one occurs, the simplist message that can be relayed is to use common sense. Never think of yourself or your machine as invincible.

With all of this in mind, drive safely and have fun this winter. Snowmobiling can be one of the most enjoyable activities during this time of year.