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Keep safety in mind when riding snowmobiles

Snowmobiling is a thrilling activity enjoyed by an estimated 3-million-plus people in the United States, according to the International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association.

But it can be a dangerous activity as well if the snowmobile driver doesn’t take care to use some caution and safe practices when operating these machines. Just a week ago, two men were killed in separate snowmobile crashes Jan. 14 in Alger County when their snowmobiles went off the trail on a curve, with one striking a tree and the other thrown into a tree. Excessive speed was thought to be a factor in both incidents, authorities stated in a news release.

For International Snowmobile Safety Week this week, Aspirus Health aims to educate people on safe snowmobiling practices that can prevent mishaps, especially those that require medical care.

Clinic Orthopaedics and Related Research found that North America each year has approximately 200 deaths and 14,000 injuries due to snowmobile accidents, making snowmobile safety a significant public health issue. It is especially timely right now with COVID-19 surging and stressing health care systems throughout the upper Midwest.

“People should be doing everything they can right now to keep themselves safe and healthy, and that means taking all necessary precautions when they are out on the trails,” said Dr. Jeffrey Wild, trauma medical director at Aspirus Wausau Hospital in Wausau, Wis. “The good news is snowmobile-related injuries that require access to emergency care are totally avoidable.”

To ensure safe snowmobile use this year, the ISMA offers these 13 tips:

— Take an approved safety course;

— Never consume alcohol or drugs before or while snowmobiling;

— Become familiar with the snowmobile you ride;

— Operate at safe and reasonable speeds;

— Stay on trails and areas where snowmobiling is permitted;

— Avoid travel on unfamiliar frozen bodies of water;

— Use extra caution at night;

— Keep your snowmobile properly maintained;

— Become familiar with the terrain you will travel on;

— Listen to the weather forecast before you leave;

— Always wear a helmet and proper clothing;

— Never ride alone, and let someone know where you are going and when you plan to return;

— Carry emergency supplies and learn survival skills.

For more information about snowmobile safety, go online to https://www.aspirus.org/snowmobile-safety.

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