Before you Ride
Safety tips to ensure a great snowmobiling season
Riding a snowmobile can be an amazing outdoor experience, but before you hit the trails, make sure safety is part of the plan. Off-road vehicles (ORV) should be operated using proper techniques to prevent serious injury or death. For fun and safe recreation on an ORV, be sure to follow these safety tips:
Drivers should be over the age of 16.
It’s strongly recommended that children under the age of 16 not operate an ORV. Younger children are usually injured on ORVs because of their size and inexperience in operating vehicles. Even once a child is 16 and able to operate an ORV, adult supervision should always be present.
Only one rider per vehicle.
Unless you’re riding an ORV equipped for two people, only one person should ride at any time. Do not piggyback or side ride-on vehicles only designed for one. The ORV may be unable to successfully hold the combined weight of two riders, making it less stable and more prone to roll over.
Do not speed.
ORVs are designed to go a certain speed safely. Increasing the speed – especially through certain terrains – decreases your control and the vehicle’s stability, making you more prone to an accident.
Do not operate an ORV impaired.
Just like drinking and driving, alcohol and ORVs do not mix.
Use common sense.
Your common sense can carry you a long way, especially when your safety is involved.
For more safety tips and for all your ORV insurance needs, drop by any BSI Insurance Brokers branch.
Underwritten by Red River Mutual.