Driving a snowmobile over white powder terrains can be thrilling for most of us. Unfortunately, far too many people are being injured in these types of accidents. This may be because so many of these vehicles are currently on the slopes. According to the International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association’s 2007 – 2008 statistics, California has about 22, 882 registered snowmobiles. With this many recreational vehicles on the limited slopes and back roads that allow them, it’s no wonder injuries are rising.

Furthermore, since some snowmobile drivers engage in rather dangerous games, including one called “high marking,” it’s a miracle that more snow sport enthusiasts haven’t already been hurt. “High marking” players try to see who can climb the highest on the side of a mountain or slope, before gravity causes them to slide downwards. While involved with this foolish game, players often pay too little attention to those nearby who might be injured. The risks become even greater when the players are drinking alcohol.

To stay safe and fully enjoy your snowmobiling experience, please keep in mind the following suggestions:

• Check the California Department of Parks and Recreation’s Web site (and the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Land Management’s Web site) to see if snowmobiling is allowed in the area you’d like to visit.
  http://ohv.parks.ca.gov/ andhttp://www.blm.gov/
• Keep in mind that weekdays and non-holidays provide the safest times to visit parks that allow snowmobiling. Always check to see if California’s “SNO PARK” season is still ongoing and review all applicable rules and regulations.
  See: http://www.parks.ca.gov/ ; andhttp://ohv.parks.ca.gov/
• Make sure the snowmobile you’re planning to ride has been recently serviced and is properly maintained. Be sure you have plenty of fuel before leaving your starting point so you won’t wind up stranded far away.

• Always ride with others. Should you have an accident, be sure at least two others
  are with you so that one can go for help if you can’t be moved and the other one
  can stay with you until help comes.

• Whenever possible, choose the most popular trails since they’ll often provide the quickest access to comprehensive care or help when it’s needed.

Obtain the proper training for snowmobiling before venturing out and driving.

Be sure you meet all relevant age requirements for any vehicle you wish to drive.

If you’ve been in a snowmobile accident, please let our highly experienced firm handle all of your legal needs while you concentrate on recovering. We’ve been handling skiing and other snow-related accidents for many years.