It’s the most wonderful time of the year: snowmobiling season!

This exhilarating activity can be the highlight of your winter… and one of the biggest risks you face all season. Do you know how to stay safe while you’re out on your sled?

Among the most important safety tips are the simplest:

Don’t drink and snowmobile.

Don’t speed.

Don’t leave the trail—and don’t take your eyes off it, either. Keep an eye out for obstacles including rocks, tree branches, fences, animals, and other people.   

In addition to these, there are a few other safety tips that we’d like to bring to your attention.

Plan your ride in advance. Make sure you check the weather, so you can be confident you won’t be caught in a storm. Wear the right clothes (and accessories) to help you keep warm and dry while you’re out. And outfit your sled with an emergency kit that includes first aid supplies, snacks, a flashlight, a compass, and the basics to help you make small repairs.

Inspect the sled before you head out (and we mean, inspect it before every trip!). Check the fuel and oil levels, the battery, brakes, drive belt, skis, throttle, handlebars, headlights, and taillights. Warm up your snowmobile for at least a minute before you take off. Be sure to follow the service schedule—and consider a tune-up before snowmobile season gets underway, so you can fix any issues before they become major problems.

Make sure you handle your sled appropriately. Don’t overload it; don’t haul anything behind it (that’s not what they’re designed for!). And don’t take passengers younger than the age of 6. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children that young aren’t able to hold on as tightly as a rugged snowmobile ride requires.

Consider a snowmobile safety course—especially if you’re a first time rider, or haven’t ridden in a while. The techniques you’ll learn could be invaluable to helping you operate the snowmobile safely—and avoid hazards.

For more than 25 years, Beall Financial and Insurance Services, Inc., has been helping corporations and individuals protect their most important assets. The agency’s client base covers a spectrum of niche businesses, such as craft breweries, that require specialized insurance packages and knowledge. With California offices in Redlands and Newport Beach, Beall Financial and Insurance Services serves clients nationwide.