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A snow-filled scene, the purr of a well-maintained motor and the pleasure of traveling the winter wonderland with friends or family are just a few joys of snowmobiling.
As the snow piles up, more and more people will be using snowmobiles for transportation and recreation.
With increased numbers of snowmobiles driving around Kosciusko County, safety becomes an issue.
Allan Waggoner, service manager of Precision Marine, Syracuse, said there are several safety tips to remember and practice when riding a snowmobile.
"Definitely wear a helmet and the proper clothing. Wear good gloves, quality bibs. A helmet is the number one thing," Waggoner said.
The Department of Natural Resources suggests wearing layers of clothing, especially a windproof outer layer.
A helmet should be safety-certified, the right size and in good condition, the DNR said. A visor is essential and the chin strap should be snug. Goggles or glasses that offer sun protection are a necessity.
With the proper clothing, one should always watch their speed and not drive excessively. Kurt Hayden, of Hayden's Yamaha, Kendallville, said a snowmobile does not have the stopping ability on snow and ice one would have on pavement.
Speed is not the measure of snowmobiling fun, said the DNR. A rider should always drive at a speed in which they can stop within their line of sight. Riders should ease up on the throttle, especially when near other machines, people, trees, animals and other objects.
Snowmobiling can be more hazardous at night.
Waggoner said, "Make sure your lights are working, both headlights and taillights. Clean the taillights off; they tend to get covered.
"You can see cars a lot easier than they can see you," he said. "Go slower at night than you would during the day."
Plenty of gas and oil should also be in the tanks, Waggoner said, because walking in the cold at night isn't fun.
Hayden said, "Basically, don't ever exceed the limitations of your headlights. Know where you are going."
DNR said low light and darkness require added attention. Snowmobilers should slow down and watch for others.
A person should ask themselves, "Am I driving slow enough to see an object in time to avoid a collision?" The question is extremely important at night on lakes and large open fields when estimating distances and direction of travel may become more difficult. A point of reference is needed when riding at night.
Waggoner said, "Don't override your ability. If you're not sure about it, slow down."
He also said a person should not go out by themselves.
"At night time, go with a buddy - use a buddy system," Waggoner said.
Whether day or night, Hayden said, knowing the area can help riders avoid hitting snow drifts and flying off the snowmobile.
"This is a lot deeper snow than people are used to," Waggoner said. "There's rocks, pipes and other obstacles under the snow. Be aware of where you are."
The DNR recommends snowmobile riders file a plan so loved ones know where to look in case of emergency. A person should describe the machine they will be riding and the planned route, and leave the information with family or friends. When the destination is reached, they should call and let others know they arrived safely.
There's also the issue of property rights. Hayden said not everyone wants snowmobiles riding on their front lawns.
Waggoner said, "If you're going to ride in farm fields, get permission first. Some farmers don't want snowmobiles out on their fields.
By riding on one's own property, there is no real age limitation, Hayden said.
"Every county has different limitations on their roads. I believe the age limitation on state property is 16. Technically, it's not legal to drive snowmobiles on highways," Hayden said.
Waggoner said, "Don't go on the main highways. Stay off those. (Snowmobiles) are meant for snow, not pavement."
Snowmobiles have to be registered in Indiana, both Hayden and Waggoner said. Registration information can be filled out at most snowmobile dealerships, conservation offices and sheriff departments. License branches do not handle those licenses and will direct snowmobile owners to dealers. The registration information is mailed to the state.
According to a registration application, a new registration is $15. Two expiration decals are included in a new registration. A new registration is for three years. A renewal registration is also $15 and includes two expiration decals. Renewals should not be done prior to the expiration year.
The DNR also warns all snowmobile riders to be aware of water.
"The safest snowmobiling rule is never to cross lakes or rivers. Besides the danger of plunging through the ice, you have far less traction for starting, turning and stopping on ice than on snow," the DNR said.
Collisions on lakes account for a significant number of accidents.
"Stay off the ice," Waggoner said. "Don't go on the ice at all."
The last piece of advice Waggoner offered is that snowmobile riders have their snowmobiles checked before they go out on them.
"The machines that are generally in this area are 10 years or older. Riders need to have them serviced before they run them," Waggoner said.
More than 10 million people ride snowmobiles during winter. With careful driving and safety precautions, those 10 million people can enjoy the activity without incident.
