The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is reminding snowmobile operators to focus on safety this winter when it comes to riding. International Snowmobile Safety Week is January 15-23 this year. IDNR Safety Education Administrator Jeff Hopkins says it’s extremely important that operators and riders review their safety checklist before hitting the trails and to pay attention, especially on frozen lakes and waterways. 

Some basic safety tips include never consuming alcohol or drugs before or during a ride, knowing your equipment, and making sure that equipment is in proper working order. Hopkins says dress for the weather.

Avoid wearing long scarves, as they may get caught in moving parts of the snowmobile, know the terrain you’re going to ride, be aware of trails or portions of trails that may be closed, and always use the buddy system by never riding alone or unaccompanied.

Make sure you are careful when crossing roads, coming to a complete stop and making sure no traffic is approaching from any direction, and travel at a reasonable rate of speed for visibility and conditions. Hopkins says in most instances, knowing the trail and slowing down can prevent most accidents.

Get more snowmobile information on the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website.