Safety | Ash River/Kabetogama Snowdrifters Snowmobile Club | Dedicated to the enjoyment of snowmobiling in Northern Minnesota. Near Voyageurs National Park, International Falls, Kabetogama, Ash River, Crane Lake, Orr.

MNUSA 2007 SNOWMOBILE CLUB OF THE YEAR

SAFETY ISSUES

YOUTH SAFETY TRAINING

Who needs safety training?

Minnesota law requires anyone born after Dec. 31, 1976 to be safety certified
in order to legally drive a snowmobile. Youth age 12-16 are required to take the 10-hour
Youth Snowmobile Safety Certification course, whereas those 16 and older can take
the new four-hour Young Adult/Adult class.

The Ash River/Kabetogama Snowdrifters now have 3 Certified Youth Safety Instructors;
Arlan Gunnerson, ARKS President Ron Travis & Paul Kiner.

click on all photos for larger view

A big thanks to Arlan, Ron & Paul for taking time to do this and all the other volunteers!

SAFETY REMINDERS

The Minnesota United Snowmobilers Association (MnUSA), the state's largest snowmobiling
organization, reminds operators of the nearly 298,000 licensed snowmobiles in Minnesota
to keep safety and responsibility top-of-mind as they head to the trails this snowmobile season.
"Our top priority is safe snowmobiling and we're very pleased to see that Minnesota snowmobilers
continue to make safety a priority on the trails by taking safety courses and practicing safe
and responsible snowmobiling," said Bob Linn, MnUSA's president.

SAFETY TIPS

In addition to recommending the safety certification classes, MnUSA offers the following
advice for snowmobilers as they head back to the trails this season.

Ride Straight - no alcohol or drugs · even a small amount of alcohol can impair judgment
and response time significantly · drugs can impair judgment and response time

Know the trail or terrain and ride for the conditions · many accidents involve hitting a fixed
object, fence, tree, rock or other objects · hidden objects on lakes hit at high speeds can
result in serious accidents · riding on frozen lakes is especially dangerous early or late in the season

Slow it down, especially at night · maximum speed allowed on public land, frozen waters,
roadside ditches and groomed trails in Minnesota is 50 mph or what is reasonable and
prudent for conditions or as posted · at night, speeds should be slower because of reduced visibility
At 50 mph, riders need a football field - or 300 feet - to come to a complete stop
· don't ride too closely - maintain space between snowmobiles to avoid collisions

Stay on marked snowmobile trails · marked trails offer signs that alert snowmobilers to
trail changes, stops, curves, etc. · respect private property and stay on marked
snowmobile trails - objects may be hidden under the snow off marked snowmobile trails

The Ash River/Kabetogama Snowdrifters and sponsors endorse this site but assume no
liability for the trails maintained by the VTSI, MN DNR, NPS and other area clubs.