Keeping safety a priority while enjoying snowmobiling
By Joan Janzen
An abundant snowfall has enabled snowmobilers to bring their machines out of storage and put them to use once again. The “Snowmobiling in Saskatchewan Handbook” tells snowmobilers how to keep safety a priority while enjoying their ride.
According to the Wildlife Act and Saskatchewan Hunting Guide -
You are prohibited from using a snowmobile to force animals or birds towards hunters. You also can’t chase, disturb, pursue, injure or kill any wild animal or bird. During open season in some wildlife management zones you are prohibited from carrying a firearm on a snowmobile (unless it’s encased), or even using a snowmobile for any hunting purposes.
When riding in a highway ditch, you should travel in the same direction as the nearest traffic lane. This is a requirement at night when you are within 100 feet of the road, to prevent creating confusing and dangerous situations for other vehicle drivers, and drive faster than 80 km/h or the posted speed limit.
When driving at night reduce your speed and avoid unfamiliar terrain; objects such as fences are nearly impossible to detect at night. Remember to wear reflective clothing and make sure your headlights and tail lights are working.
Blizzards greatly reduce visibility, so it’s important to slow down or seek shelter until conditions improve. Another visibility factor is called flat light. This occurs on a cloudy day at sunrise or sunset, when bumps and holes may appear deceivingly smooth. Wear sunglasses with yellow lenses and slow down during these conditions.
A driver’s licence is required for snowmobile operators when operating a snowmobile in any area that is not private land. A learner’s licence is not considered a driver’s licence under The Snowmobile Act.
A person of at least 16 years of age, who does not have a driver’s licence, is permitted to operate a snowmobile in public areas if they have successfully completed a snowmobile safety course. This course is mandatory for new drivers who are at least 12 years of age. Experienced riders should monitor the progress of new drivers and must supervise all new sledding techniques.
Supervisors may supervise only one underage operator at a time and may not be more than 50 metres from the trainee. The trainee must be kept within sight to permit visual communication.
Snowmobiles must be registered with any SGI motor licence issuer, and operators should carry the issued certificate when operating the snowmobile and attach the plate to the machine.
