Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs

1. Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs DRIVER TRAINING PROGRAM

2. WELCOME • Instructors for the Day • EXITS - Washrooms • Breaks /Lunches • Questions

3. OBJECTIVES • RELAX……HAVE FUN…….PARTICIPATE We want you to:- develop good and safe snowmobile skills-enjoy the sport more-promote other riders to do the same What is wrong with the sled in this photo ?

4. Agenda • Registration • Lecture – cover topics of the bookput name on book – used as a reference only • Snowmobile orientation • Exam – 25 multiple choice questions : need 80% (20 questions) - ask an instructor for assistance • Red is a good colour to remember • mistakes are not jokes • Excellent website : www.ofsc.on.ca

5. SAFETY This course is all about : This is the most important part of this course THIS IS THE WORD OF THE DAY

6. Let’s see how much you already know Who has driven a snowmobile before ?(What brands?) • Let’s play the what if game ? What if……You wanted to go for a snowmobile ride on winter day ? What would you do ? What if someone hit you on the trail ? What if you had a breakdown ? What if the weather got cold and snowy ?

7. * History and Development of Snowmobiles • Before highways people had difficulty travelling in the winter • (Correction in books pg. 4) Mid 1920s: Joseph Armand Bombardier designed different types of motor snow vehicles: he was 15 years old • 1959 – famous Ski Doo was introduced –original called SKI-DOG • Over the next 10 years : around 100 manufacturers • How many are there today ? • TODAY snowmobiling is a sport and a pastime

8. COLLISIONS Hit a man holding the radar gun.He was an off duty OPP officer (2006)

10. Classmates Remember Snowmobile Crash Victim Please don’t be next year’s newspaper article for this course. • Created: 3/6/2006 5:59:47 PM By Rich KellmanSenior Correspondent Erie, Pennsylvania • Jeremy was struck and killed by a pickup truck while snowmobiling with friends on Saturday. It was just before sundown in the Town of Concord. Jeremy headed across the road. The truck was westbound and traveling within the 55 mph speed limit, according to Erie County Sheriffs. It came around a curve and up a slight hill, slamming into Jeremy's snowmobile as he tried to cross route 39. • Investigators say the driver of the pickup will not be charged in the incident. A sheriff's deputy noted it was open highway at the place where the mishap occurred, and said that snowmobilers are the ones who have to look out for oncoming traffic. Jeremy was 13 years old.

11. LAND and AIR AMBULANCE There for you when and wherever you need it in Ontario

12. All of this was avoidable and was due to irresponsible snowmobiling Feb. 9, 2008 CTV NEWS Toronto, Ontario press file A snowmobiler suffered life-threatening injuries after the snowmobile he was operating at night struck a dock in the dark shoreline of a lake near Temagami (1 hr. of North Bay). An air ambulance flying out of Sudbury was headed to the accident scene when it crashed, injuring the four people aboard. At least two of the people aboard the helicopter had serious injuries, said the OPP officer at the scene. Because of the helicopter crash, the snowmobiler was taken off the lake on a sled by the OPP and then transported to Temiskaming Hospital in New Liskeard with life-threatening injuries. The pilots and paramedics on the helicopter were also transported to the Temiskaming Hospital. With the helicopter out of service, air ambulances from nearby regions will expand their coverage to include the Sudbury area. Police said snowmobilers should always be aware of ice conditions and check the trail before venturing out. Pilot: head concussion, broken ribs and a collapsed lung. Paramedic #1. Multiple trauma to his entire body. Paramedic #2. severe injuries with a broken back in which fragments of his spine had to be removed during surgery after the crash……….

13. If a collision is deemed your fault and causes death or bodily harm You may: Lose your license for 10 years or for life Fine Jail Your LIFE !

14. Collisions are BIG PROBLEMS The 5 Major Causes of Snowmobile Fatalities: What can kill you while snowmobiling ? 2/3 of Ontario snowmobile victims are between the ages of 16-34 * Collisions with moving motor vehicles Collisions with parked motor vehicles Collisions with fixed objects Drowning Exposure to cold ONLY YOU CAN SOLVE THE PROBLEM

15. COLLISIONS * The 3 basic factors that cause a collision are: The snowmobile operator The terrain The vehicle

16. The Operator Collisions are usually caused by carelessness Lack of knowledge and respect for the snowmobiles and the laws Aggressive handling and a ME FIRST attitude Lack of concern over rights of others Lack of alertness -tired/lala land! Hostility towards others while driving “trail rage” Showing off Anxiety Alcohol or drugs Lack of proper clothing and gear

17. The Terrain Select a riding area that is legal and safe Your safe zone is between the orange stakes – trespassing and dangers are outside this area –lakes stay to right of middle stake

18. When breaking new trails in an unfamiliar area use extreme cautionSTAY ON THE TRAIL

19. The Terrain Watch for fences / guy wires / roads Dangerous lakes/ponds/streams : critical to weather changes, pressure cracks

20. ICE CONDITIONS Primarily determined if unsafe by the thickness *Water currents will weaken the ice* Operating a snow vehicle on rivers and lakes is dangerous at all times

21. SNOWMOBILES ARE NOT BUILT FOR WATER March 2005

22. The Vehicle Reliable snowmobile Knowledge of its operation Regular maintenance and routine checks

23. What can we do to reduce Collisions? Know your snowmobile Know your terrain Be a safe and courteous operator

24. VIDEO *

25. Motorized Snow Vehicle Operator’s Licence(MSVOL) Must be 12 years old to obtain 12-15 years : can drive on trails, parks or conservation areas (where allowed) but not on highways or roads (you are not allowed to cross roads) 16 years and older : drive on trail, across a highway at right angles or along a highway where permitted

26. Motorized Snow Vehicle Operator’s Licence(MSVOL) Licence can only be used by you NEVER LEND YOUR LICENSE Driver’s licence/learner permit = do not need MSVOL 16 years old with no driver licence then youneed a MSVOL to drive off private property It is an offense to possess a MSVOL if you have a driver’s licence

27. How do you obtain a MSVOL ? If you lose your license : you must go to the OFSC website and download a form for replacement www.ofsc.on.ca Take an approved course –min. 6 hours Write the exam Receive your license and respect it – you can lose if you are careless

28. What to do if a collision occurs ? Safety – make sure area is safe – try to remain CALM Render first aid if needed – more on this topic later Call 911 if needed Must be reported to police if personal injuries or more then $400 damages Name/addresses/date,time/location/ circumstances causing accident, photos ?

29. When you come across a driver in distress. * Do not stop unless you are with another adult Motion to distressed snowmobiler that you will send help

30. What to carry and what to do if stopped ? * Insurance is required : ANYTIME YOU ARE OFF YOUR OWN PROPERTY You must carry (required whenever off private property)- MSVOL or driver’s licence- ownership/registration-insurance- trail permit slip Stop for :-police officer-STOP officer-conservation officer-land owner : stop and give name and address Can be fined $200 - $1000

31. Trail permits and license numbers Where does the trail permit go ? Bottom center of windshield or top of the engine hood You must also carry the pink slip License number to be decaled or painted to both sides of the hood - clearly visible or on the tunnel near the forward edge of the reflector Validation tags need annual update

32. Speed limits MAXIMUM 50 km/hr- on a trail-along a highway where the posted limit is greater then 50 km/hr. 20 km/hr-public park or exhibition grounds-along a highway where the speed limit is 50 km/hr or less

33. RAILROAD TRACKS * Always cross at 90 degree angle after a complete stop and safe to do so : look and listen Never park on or near a railroad track

34. BEFORE YOU GO : * OUTDOORS Get your documents Tell a responsible person- where you are going-how long you expect to be /when you will return Use the buddy system – safer and more fun Fill the gas tank – where should you add or mix gas ?

35. Keeping Warm Dress in layers - under garments and clothing Loosely fitting of all items Allow air to circulate Snowmobile suits Boots, socks TekVest Gloves, mitts Balaclava , scarves (be careful of loose ends) Carry extra socks and gloves

36. Helmets * Must be worn at all times Many different types Should use face shield or goggles on open helmets Applies to drivers,passengers or riders in a cutter, caboose or sled being towed Only a rigid tow bar can be used to tow a device behind a sled – only across roads Caboose needs to have reflectors on the sides and rear

37. Depress throttle control Depress brake control Inspect for loose bolts Ensure skis and track are free from snow and ice Inspect fuel, oil, brake fluid Inspect drive belt Ensure cooling fans are clear and no leaks Ensure clutch guard is fastened Check ski operation Inspect tool kit and spare parts Check weather conditions and wind chill Ensure helmet is secure Ensure machine is pointed away from people and objects to start PRE-RIDE INSPECTION *

38. PARTS OF THE SNOWMOBILE Kill switch / tether cord lights always on Sliders or boggie wheels are used to keep track in contact with snow

39. Once the snowmobile has been started • Ensure headlights, brake lights and tail lights are working • Emergency safety systems :Test the kill switch and/or tether cord each time a snowmobile is used • What would cause the sled to stall or run poorly? Faulty spark, kill switch, lack of fuel

40. The Snowmobilers' Code of Ethicseverybody stand up ……… and repeat after me • I will NEVER drink and drive while operating a snowmobile. • I will drive within the limits of my machine and my own abilities. • I will obey the rules and laws of the state or province I am riding in. • I will be careful when crossing roads and always cross at a right angle to traffic when allowed. • I will keep my machine in top shape and follow a proper check before each ride.

41. The Snowmobilers' Code of Ethicseverybody stand up ……… and repeat after me • I will wear appropriate clothing, including gloves, boots, and a helmet with a visor. • I will let my family or friends know my planned route, my destination and my expected arrival time. • I will treat the outdoors with respect. I will not litter or damage trees or other vegetation. • I will respect other peoples’ property and rights, and lend a hand when I see someone in need. • I will not snowmobile where prohibited.

42. * Hand Signals * * * * * • When signaling to STOP, use the right hand instead of the left …… Why ???

43. Located inside the front cover of your manuals TRAIL SIGNS *

44. Intersections * When you both arrive an intersection at the same time : driver on right has the right of way Expect the unexpected, uneducated

45. Turning around NEVER turn around: • On a curve • Within 30 m of or on a rail crossing • Within 150 m of or on a bridge, viaduct or tunnel • On or near the crest of a hill Notice the chevron direction

46. Following too Close = COLLISION • It is an offense to do so • Use the 2 second rule (4 is even safer) • Always have your sled under control *

47. Riding Positions * SITTING • Safest and most common STANDING • Used for better visibility • Slow speeds only • Bend knees slightly

48. Riding Positions KNEELING • Used for low speeds • Good for side hilling when leaning to one side is needed to lean into a hill POSTING • Used for traveling over bumps • Feet flat and knees bent

49. AVOID getting stuck by : • controlling the snowmobile • Driving in a circle to pad down the snow before stopping • IF YOU GET STUCK: • Take your time – remove your gear • Stamp out a path about 3 m in front • Scoop out snow from the front of track • Straddle the seat and put weight at back end • “walk it out” with slow easy throttle

50. NIGHTRIDING * • Ensure lights and reflectors are clean/clear of snow • Reduce speed • Do not overdrive headlights : stop at night in a safe place and shut your sled off : how far can you see • USE EXTRA CAUTION