Safe Snowmobiling is the Key!

Safety is paramount to enjoying snowmobiling. Each year, many accidents happen that are completely preventable with a little knowledge and thought when heading out on to the trails. Preventable accidents cause needless death and injury, and they also contribute to higher insurance premiums. By learning about safety and being safety-aware on the trails, not only do you protect yourself, your family, and others, you also benefit through lower insurance rates.

Safety First

Reducing the rate of injuries and fatalities relative to the participation in the sport, and changing the attitude and behaviour of snowmobilers about safe riding practices on trails everywhere they ride, are the goals of snowmobile associations across Canada.

Snowmobile associations across Canada will provide members of the public with the knowledge and skills required to operate a motorized snow vehicle safely, and the Ministry of Transportation has authorized some associations to be the agent responsible for issuing snow vehicle operator's licenses.

By being a safety-conscious, responsible snowmobiler, you're doing the right thing for yourself, your family, and your fellow sledder. Not only that, safety can pay for you in insurance savings.

Here's some basic safety information every snowmobiler should know...

Riding Within Conditions

Snowmobiling occurs in an unpredictable environment. Trails can have sudden dips and rises, curves and bumps. Trails appear "flattened" when it's overcast, often preventing you from seeing changes in the surface. Weather can change quickly. A whiteout can make you lose sight of the trail and not see an obstacle ahead. If you're riding too fast, any one of these surprises could kill you. Though the legal limit on trails in Ontario is 50 kilometers an hour, whether posted or not, snowmobilers should always adjust their speed to the trail and weather conditions.

Zero Tolerance

Safe sledding means no alcohol or drugs. Drinking has caused many snowmobile-related deaths and injuries. Only one or two drinks are enough to impair perception, slow reactions, and impair driving. Impaired drivers take foolish chances, and risk maiming or killing others, not to mention themselves.

The penalties for driving your sled while impaired are the same as they are for your car. You can lose your license, pay large fines, increase your insurance rates (if you are able to get insurance), or even go to jail. Responsible snowmobilers practice zero tolerance!

About Speed Limits

The legal limit on most trails is 50 kilometers an hour, whether posted or not. When on roadways with a 50 kilometre per hour or less speed limit for cars, the speed limit for snowmobiles is 20 km. If the speed limit is more than 50 kilometers per hour for cars, the maximum speed for a snowmobile is 50 kilometers per hour, regardless of what's posted for cars. It is every snowmobiler's responsibility to know town by-laws, and whether or not snowmobiles are allowed on roadways in town.

Ride With Nature

Snowmobilers ride with nature and do their part to keep it beautiful. Please continue to do your part by...

	Staying on the trail
	Leaving tracks not trash
	Respecting sensitive areas
	Maintaining your sled
	Protecting wildlife
	Keeping it quiet

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Safe Snowmobilers Save Money!

Sledder's Choice offers discounted insurance premiums that can't be beat! By paying attention to safety, snowmobilers can take advantage of the exclusive, low rates Sledder's Choice offers to safe, responsible snowmobilers.