Getting Ready for Snowmobiling Season?

As winter approaches, almost three million Americans get set to participate in their favorite winter sport, snowmobiling. Snowmobiling generates more than $22 billion in the US per year. However, the risk of fatal accidents or major injuries continues to rise in this high speed recreation. People flock to regions like Alaska and Yellowstone National Park. There are around 1.65 million registered snowmobiles in the US out of which 39,531 are in the Montana region alone.

National Snowmobiling Facts

According to a report by National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) of the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), snowmobile related injuries have been on the rise over the past ten years. Apart from recreation purposes, snowmobiles are used by ranchers, surveyors, public utility employees and wildlife and environmental scientists. The US Consumer Product Safety Commission confirms about 110 deaths due to snowmobiles. More than 13,400 people receive emergency treatment in hospitals as a result of this sporting activity.  Teens and young adults between 15-24 years of age are the most vulnerable. Head injuries continue to be the leading cause of serious injury and even death. Around 2/5 of the total deaths ensued are due to collisions with trees, fences, cliffs, snowbanks, vehicles, bridges, wires and rolling the snowmobile.  In the US, snowmobile clubs are maintained and constructed and the trails are mapped in cooperation with provincial, local and state governments.

Known Causes of Snowmobile Accidents
Snowmobile related accidents can be prevented, provided the rider abides by certain rules and snowmobile equipment manufacturers supply machines that are not defective. Before a ride, make sure that your snowmobile is running smoothly and maintained properly. Many accidents are caused by:

• Faulty steering columns and braking mechanisms
• Malfunctioning throttles
• Weak welding on suspensions and other parts
• Frozen lakes and rivers.
• Engine fires and explosions
• Leaky fuel tanks and fuel lines
• Bad weather

You can take the following precautions:
• Be in touch with weather forecasts
• Learn snowmobile traffic laws
• Do not drink alcohol and drive
• Never drive your snowmobile alone or on unfamiliar ground
• Drive only on well  known and marked trails
• Avoid unknown waterways
• Carry safety equipment

While driving you should look out for:
• Oncoming snowmobiles
• Trees and branches on the trail
• Bridges
• Unpredicted corners, intersections and stops
• Crossings
• Thin ice and/or open water
• Animals
• Drifting snow
• Skiers and hikers

Your basic repair kit should contain a jack knife, tow rope, pry bar, extra wrenches, wire, nuts and bolts for your sled, tool kit, extra spark plugs and belts.

Montana Personal Injury: Fight Your Case
If you or a loved one has ever been injured due to the negligence of the government or because of a manufacturing defect in your snowmobile, you need legal protection given by attorneys in Montana. Get in touch with Solomon Neuhardt, your Billings lawyer immediately who will fight on your behalf.

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