Education important for new snowmobile riders – Brainerd Dispatch

ST. MATHIAS — When it comes to riding a snowmobile, education is a must for young people as they get ready to get on a machine.

Recently, 20 snowmobile riders were certified after a Department of Natural Resources youth certification class in St. Mathias. Learning how to not only operate a snowmobile but how to operate it properly was the goal Saturday, Jan. 3, as the group of youths from across the state gathered at St. Mathias Park.

The in-person portion of the class was put on with the help of the Fort Ripley Trail Busters, St. Mathias Parks and Recreation and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

Contributed / Jim Guida

The three-hour class was a youth snowmobile certification safety class, one of several such courses offered during the winter months across the state, said Jim Guida, a Minnesota DNR conservation enforcement officer covering the Brainerd area and a member/trainer with the Fort Ripley Trail Busters.

The classroom review and riding performance course, hosted by the

Fort Ripley Trail Busters snowmobile club

and St. Mathias Park and Recreation, had the kids come out before taking the practical test at St. Mathias Park. The snowmobiles used for the testing portion were all donated for use by members of the club.

The in-person field day portion of the hybrid class comes after the students complete an

online portion

of the

DNRs snowmobile safety training

program.

“They bring the voucher saying that they’ve completed the at-home portion, and then they go through a review with a certified instructor,” Guida said. “We also introduce them to a state conservation officer and talk about the role of a conservation officer when it comes to snowmobile enforcement. Then they take the exam.”

A snowmobile safety certification is required by law for Minnesota residents born after Dec. 31, 1976. The youth course is available to those who are between the ages of 11 and 15 years old. However, the certification will not become valid until the youth is 12 years old.

Contributed / Jim Guida

One of the biggest things someone can do to have a safe ride is refrain from alcohol use, Guida said.

“We are prioritizing education and promoting understanding — speed and alcohol use contribute to over half the accidents that we see on snowmobiles,” Guida said. “It’s important to take it seriously and be aware that accidents and crashes can change lives.”

Also important is crossing a roadway at a 90 degree angle to minimize the amount of time spent on the roadway.

“Automobiles driving on the highway are going to be heavier and oftentimes traveling faster than you,” Guida said. “If there was contact made, there’s no seat belts, there’s no security blanket with airbags on a snowmobile.”

Helmets are required to be worn by all riders under 18, and are recommended for all riders. Guida asks people to slow down when there is not much snow, as ground features are often not completely covered by snow but are hidden by the light snow, such as large rocks, uneven vegetation and culverts.

“Most fatal crashes that I’ve seen and investigated happened early on in the season when the snow pack is not on the trails,” Guida said. “Maybe they were new to snowmobiling, unfamiliar with the trail, and then these objects or this condition existed, and they weren’t able to overcome it and crashed. Everyone needs to slow down.”

Crow Wing County has a speed limit of 50 miles per hour or less for snowmobiles, depending on conditions. When someone enters an area or is driving adjacent to a public street with a speed limit below 50, that speed limit for that area applies to the snowmobile as well.

“Let’s say we’re going through the city of Merrifield, it’s like 30 miles an hour. If I’m in the ditch of that 30-mile-an-hour stretch, 30 miles per hour is also my speed limit,” Guida said.

• Watch the weather and check trail conditions before riding: Don’t ride in adverse weather conditions. Plan your trip and check the trails you’ll be riding prior to departure.
• 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.
• Never ride alone: Always ride with a friend on another snowmobile. If one machine becomes disabled, there is another to get help.
• Dress for safety and survival: Always wear a quality Department of Transportation helmet and face mask. Wear layers of clothing to keep warm and dry. 
• Slow down: Excessive speed is a major factor in many accidents, especially at night.
• 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.
• Riding on ice – lakes and 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.

Source: Minnesota DNR