Safety Stressed While Riding Snowmobiles

With two fatal snowmobile accidents and sledding such a popular sport here in Idaho, it cannot be stressed enough to be careful.

“People go too fast and get out of control and that's when people get hurt,” said Sheriff Klingler, Madison Co. Search and Rescue.

It's a fun sport, but it also can be very dangerous.

“When they jump on and just flat out go, that's when things happen,” Klingler said.

So slow down --

“Sixty miles per hour is nothing on these things anymore. They can get up to 100 miles per hour. I mean, they are fast.”

At any speed you must where a helmet -- a helmet that fits you right.

Madison Search and Rescue says that sleds are getting more and more powerful every year and people can't handle the machines if they don't know what they are doing.

"There are no limits. The tracks get longer, they get bigger cleats. They can go anywhere and people just really need to be aware of the power of them. To jump on one of these sleds and take off, it's almost even scary how much power they have. These sleds behind me are old sleds, but the new ones make these act and feel like nothing,” said Klingler.

Accidents sometimes happen when the riders get out of their comfort zone, doing things that are far above their skill level.

“Make sure you start out in an area where you can test it out a little bit. It's going to take time people don't just start riding and start going up into the mountains as expert riders."

Experienced riders need to remember that beginners need a lot of practice and it's dangerous for them to do rough terrain.

Remember, if you do get hurt you're probably in the mountains and it always takes more time for help to come when you are that far away.

Madison County Search and Rescue says to always have a cell phone and let someone know where you are going and when you'll be back.

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