Jim Rolf, trail coordinator for West Rome Riders, Inc

Tips For Safe Snowmobile Riding On The Trails

• Stay to the right of the trail at all times. Always assume someone is coming the other way, because sooner or later someone will. Staying to the right is very important in limited sight areas like on a hill or on a curve. But, always beware of vehicles that are parked on the right side of the trail or road. You don’t want to hit them.
• When you meet an oncoming group of snowmobilers, slow down and give them as much room as possible. If the trail is narrow, one group (usually the smaller one) should stop and yield the right of passage. A group going down a hill should usually yield to one going up.
• Be courteous of other drivers on the trails.  You should also be aware of faster riders overtaking you from behind. Keep to the right to allow them to pass. If the trail is narrow, pull off and stop until they go by.
• One of the most important aspects to sharing the trail with other snowmobilers involves how you position your snowmobile when you stop. Never block an intersection. Never stop side-by-side on a trail. Never stop in the middle of a trail.
• Groomer encounters can be difficult. Groomers usually warn you of their presence with flashing yellow warning beacons. It is a violation for any snowmobiler to fail to yield the right of way to a groomer. — When encountering automobiles and trucks on shared-use roads, stay to the right, go slow, use the kneeling or standing position to be more easily seen, and always yield to the wheeled vehicles.
• If you are lucky enough to encounter wildlife on the trail, slow down or stop entirely so as not to alarm the animals. You’ll get a better look that way. Never chase or harass wildlife.
• Watch for safety warning signs.
• Don’t drive at excessive speeds or drink alcohol.
• Watch everchanging trail and weather conditions.
• Make sure you can see the trail in front of you at night. Although oncoming headlights can alert you to other snowmobiles at night, there is less notice during the day, so be on the lookout for approaching snowmobiles.
• Exercise extreme caution when crossing roadways.
• Drive defensively, just as one would do in a vehicle on a highway. Think on a sled as one would think while driving a vehicle...the rules of the snowmobile trails are just about the same as the rules of the road.