Last week I was visiting with a retired friend who was
enjoying the company of his son and grandsons during the holidays. Noticing
that his grandsons were riding snowmobiles, I asked if he ever rode with them.
He responded that he didn’t ride much anymore. I encouraged him to hop on a
sled and make a few memories with his family.
A couple of days later I received word by phone that my
friend had been involved in a snowmobile accident and was being transported by
ambulance to the hospital. My last words to him haunted me as I followed up on
his condition. Several days later he was being fitted with a partial body cast.
During the holidays emergency crews were responding to several
serious snowmobile accidents per day. Concussions, compound fractures, spine
injuries and partial paralysis were just of few of the injuries incurred by
vacationing sledders as they literally “hit the snowy trails”.
The lack of fatalities is a testament to the skill of
the emergency response teams that serve the caldera. They respond at a moment’s
notice, setting aside whatever they are doing to assist anyone in need. Island
Park is very proud of their skill and devotion.
Here are a few tips to avoid having one’s winter
memories become a dark cloud of disaster:
Check and work your throttle before riding. Make sure
that it is smooth and does not stick. Ice crystals or other obstructions may
jam your cable.
Know the area you intend to ride. Scout for any hazards
that may cause a loss of control. One large snow mound can turn a speeding
snowmobile into a missile and sleds don’t steer well when not in contact with
the ground.
Slow Down! Many of today’s snow machines are light and
capable of speeds that may be difficult to control. The adrenaline rush of
speed is no compensation for the onset of depression created by an ambulance
ride, rehab or permanent injury.
Beware of oncoming and cross traffic while on the
trails. Stay to the right while riding and slow at all trail intersections. Be
particularly aware of blind corners and treat them as if there is someone
heading your direction.
Be safe and have a great time in the caldera. Make great memories that you can share with your grandkids
No comments:
Post a Comment