Snowmobile Safety Training
Riding through the trails on a snowmobile is an exhilarating activity. As with any motor sport, participants must be responsible drivers and practice safe riding techniques. If you are new to this outdoor pursuit, enroll in safety training before donning your snow gear and heading out to the trails.
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State Regulations
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Some states mandate obtaining a safety certificate prior to operating a snowmobile. In Wisconsin, riders 16-years-old and up can take a course and exam online. Children 12 to 15 years of age must take classroom study. Minnesota is another northern state that requires a safety class before operating a snowmobile for anyone born after Dec. 31, 1976. Michigan mandates a safety certificate for minors ages 12 to 16.
Course Content
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State governments and snowmobile associations have collaborated to stress safe riding. The Pennsylvania State Snowmobile Association safety program includes a 22-minute DVD to demonstrate safe practices. In Vermont, the online course consists of five chapters that address subjects such as protective gear, traversing a hill, hypothermia and trail etiquette.
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Free Courses
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In New York, snowmobile associations offer courses free of charge. Certified members teach classes on a volunteer basis. A CD-based course for children ages 11 to 15 is free of charge in Minnesota.
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References
- Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources: Snowmobile Education
- Michigan Department of Natural Resources: Required Snowmobile Safety Course
- Minnesota Department of Natural Resources: Snowmobile Safety Training
- Pennsylvania State Snowmobile Association: Snowmobile Safety Classes
- Vermont Association of Snow Travelers: Education and Safety
- Vermont State Police: Vermont Online Snowmobile and Safety Course
Resources
- Photo Credit snowmobile 2 image by Przemyslaw Moranski from Fotolia.com
