The operation of any motor vehicle requires one’s total
attention. It is not uncommon for the mind to wander while performing various
tasks. It is during those wandering mental moments that you look up into your
rearview mirror to be surprised by the flashing lights of a police vehicle and
realize that your foot was a little too heavy on the gas pedal. Snowmobiles
require dedicated concentration to maintain one’s safety.
Today’s snow machines are lighter, faster and have a
higher center of gravity. These qualities may make for a more exciting
experience but they can also amplify any operator mistakes. An error in
judgement can result in serious injury or death. Recently two visiting
snowmobilers were killed in separate accidents, on the same day.
Both
fatalities were single vehicle collisions with trees. The residents of Island
Park grieve for those who lost their lives while visiting us.
Island Park’s beauty is in the untamed nature of the
landscape. It is that quality that attracts visitors. The forest is not a
forgiving place. This is not the Salt Flats at the Great Salt Lake! The
presence of hazards is undeniable. Trees are everywhere. Snow-blanketed
obstructions and blind or hairpin turns on the trails make riding exciting.
Exciting can quickly morph into disaster during a moment of inattention.
Please be careful while riding throughout the caldera.
Avoid alcohol until you have completed your ride. Slow down! If you can only
take a corner at 35 mph in a car, what makes you think you can take the same
turn at 70 mph on a sled? Pay attention to the terrain and error on the side of
a safe ride.
No one is going to post your Go Pro video on YouTube if
it ends with you going “splat” on a tree!
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