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 (Sentinel photo by Bob Eschliman) Snowmobile safety is of paramount concern to organizations, such as the Powder Players Snowmobile Club based in Remsen. [Click to enlarge] |
Members of the Powder Players snowmobile club remind snowmobile operators and automobile drivers to be mindful of each other. The group, formed more than 10 years ago, stresses safe, law-abiding use of snowmobiles.
"We started the group and based it in Remsen in order to promote a safe mode of transportation," Mark Ullrich, one of the group's founding members, said. "We have established trails in Woodbury, Plymouth, Cherokee and O'Brien counties."
The group meets on a monthly basis November-March, gathering at The Avalon in Remsen 7 p.m. on the first Wednesday of each month. Annual memberships are available for $30; $15 go to the Iowa State Snowmobile Association.
"We joined the group to have a chance to meet other people who enjoyed snowmobiling. It's always fun to ride together," Ullrich's wife, Glenda, said. "The guys are talking sleds constantly, comparing all of the different models."
The snowmobile club hosts an Iowa Department of Natural Resources-sanctioned snowmobile safety course every year. On a year like this, when the snow comes early and often, interest is usually pretty high.
"We can have up to 20 people. This year, we'll probably be full," Bill Klohs, who teaches the class, said. "When there's no snow, there's a lot less interest. Then we only get seven or eight a year."
The daylong course touches on important issues, such as IDNR snowmobile regulations, winter weather survival and safety, first aid and snowmobile maintenance. Local EMTs and IDNR officers participate in the class, as well.
"At the end of the class, there's a written test and a riding test that everyone has to pass," Klohs said. "There's quite and age spread, so I try to make sure the class is interesting for everyone."
Use your head when riding a snowmobile this winter, he added. Common sense gets people through most of the snowmobile rules and regulations; experience does the rest.
"Know where you're riding. Every town is different about where you can or can't ride," he said. "If you're buying a sled for the first time, make sure you get yourself a copy of the rules and regulations pamphlet."
Powder Players snowmobile club offers a trail map, which is available through snowmobile vendors. The club also grooms all of the trails in the Plymouth County area, using a groomer supplied by IDNR.
The group also sponsors a number of charitable efforts, primarily through "poker runs" that take place throughout the winter. The group also participates in the first weekend of Pioneer Christmas, as well.
"Most of all, the group is about fellowship," Glenda Ullrich said. "It's just for the fun of riding together."
Snowmobile Safety Course
All youth ages 12-17 who intend to drive a snowmobile in Iowa must successfully complete a snowmobile safety course. Upon completion of the all-day course, each graduate will receive a certificate, which they must have whenever they are riding in Iowa.
The Powder Players snowmobile club offers an Iowa Department of Natural Resources-sanctioned safety class every January. The next class is planned for Saturday, Jan. 7, at 9 a.m.
There is a $3 fee for the course, which covers the expense of materials provided during the class. Lunch is provided at noon for all participants.
The class will take place at the Boat Farm, 37484 200th St., Le Mars. To register for the class, call (712) 540-1357.
Snowmobile Safety
Snowmobiling requires alertness, caution and attention. Always be alert for potential danger, remembering that snowmobiling, even in daylight conditions, involves impaired hearing and vision.
Be on the lookout for:
* Grooming equipment and oncoming snowmobiles
* Unforeseen obstacles beneath the snow
* Snow banks and drifting snow
* Trees and branches on the trail
* Wildlife and domestic animals
Always be aware of:
* All corners, intersections and stops
* Road and railway crossings
* Bridges and bridge approaches
Drinking and Riding
Your reaction time and ability to control your sled can be drastically affected after consuming even small amounts of alcohol.
Alcohol can affect perception, reaction time, and response to unexpected situations. It also increases your susceptibility to cold and hypothermia.
Snowmobilers often have access to remote locations miles away from help. If a situation should occur where help is needed, your chances of survival and treatment of injury can be greatly affected.
Safety Tips
* Always keep your machine in top mechanical condition.
* Always wear insulated boots and protective clothing including a helmet, gloves and eye protection.
* Never ride alone.
* Avoid, when possible, crossing frozen bodies of water.
* Never operate in a single file when crossing frozen bodies of water.
* Always be alert to avoid fences and low strung wires.
* Never operate on a street or highway.
* Always look for depressions in the snow.
* Keep headlights and tail lights on at all times.
* When approaching an intersection, come to a complete stop, raise off the seat and look for traffic.
* Always check the weather conditions before you depart.
* Never drink and ride.
Night Riding
Nearly 90 percent of all snowmobile fatalities occur after dark. Forward visibility is reduced by darkness and it is much more difficult to spot and identify potential hazards in time to react.
Slow down when snowmobiling after dark. Always ride in areas you are familiar with if you plan to be out at night, and be sure to wear outer clothing with reflective trim on the arms, back and helmet. Never ride alone at night.
Always dress in your full snowmobiling outfit even if your intended destination is nearby. Be certain that all lights are operational and keep in mind that hand signals become increasingly more difficult to see as darkness sets in.
Dressing Properly
Good snowmobile wear contains materials that retain heat, release moisture and resist both water and wind. Even better, try to find suits that are water- and windproof.
With proper layering, winter comfort is easy. Start with polypropylene and thermal under layers that releases moisture while retaining heat. Add other heat-retentive layers depending on the temperature.
Remember your forward motion will add to the wind chill factor. Avoid cottons and sweat shirts that retain moisture, making you cold and clammy, which may lead to hypothermia.
Carry extra clothing, socks and mitts for layering. A helmet and face shield combat cold and hazards. Waterproof insulated boots and leather snowmobile mitts provide warmth and protection, as well.
Cold Weather Terms
Wind chill is lower temperature caused by wind and/or the forward momentum of a fast-moving sled. Wind chill exposes you to severe cold which in turn can cause hypothermia.
Windproof outer garments, extra layers and a balaclava will offer some protection, but keep your face shield down to prevent wind burn and to protect your skin and eyes.
Frostbite results from freezing temperatures and poor circulation, most commonly on extremities and exposed skin. It can be identified by unnaturally white and numb skin surrounded by harsh red coloring.
Cover up and layer well, making sure that socks fit loosely within your boots. Mitts with liners often provide more warmth than gloves.
Hypothermia is the lowering of the body's core temperature. It does not require extreme cold and accelerates with wind and wetness.
Dressing warmly in water resistant layers helps, but if immersed, quickly replace wet clothes, keep moving to generate body heat, and find immediate shelter and warmth.
Snow blindness occurs when direct and reflecting sun glare are too bright for the eyes. Riding without good quality, UV-protected sunglasses, goggles or visor can cause permanent damage.