The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Copy here Submitted by Manitoba Hydro The weather's great and snow conditions are excellent but one more element is necessary to make your snowmobile ride perfect: safety. It's important to make safety your number one priority in order to protect yourself and your passenger. Winter sports injuries Snowmobiles are one of the leading causes of winter sports and recreation related injuries. Keep safety in mind this winter: Keep your speed down and your eyes on the trail ahead to watch for hazards on the trail. Watch for hidden obstacles such as guy wires that are attached to hydro poles, particularly when travelling through ditches. Sometimes a guy wire can be difficult to see if it is covered by snow or if the reflective markers attached to it have been damaged or removed. Stay on the trail; do not trespass. Private property and unmarked terrain can contain unexpected and deadly hazards. Stay off rivers and lakes whenever possible, particularly if there is a generating station or dam in the area. Fluctuating water levels and currents may result in unstable ice conditions. Take a first aid kit as well as a knife, area map, compass, lighter, matches, flashlight, whistle and food. These items will come in handy if you or your passenger get hurt, run out of gas, or get lost.
