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Safety first on snowmobiles

Our winter season of snowmobiling is now here in our wonderful Upper Peninsula. Today, let’s review some history and some safety tips regarding this great winter activity. Regarding safety, be aware that today’s high-powered modern snowmobiles used throughout the U.P. can achieve speeds in excess of 150 mph.

Here is some snowmobile history. In 1913, Virgil White, a Ford dealer in New Hampshire, put tracks on the back and skis on the front of a Model T Ford. Mr. White was the first to use the word “snowmobile.” In 1927, Carl Eliason patented a motorized toboggan which defined the first workable, single-track, one-passenger snowmobile.

In 1922, fifteen year old Canadian J. Armand Bombardier designed a wind driven sleigh with a Model T engine. Mr. Bombardier then spent decades creating and perfecting various snowmobile features. In 1959, Mr. Bombardier brought the first Ski-Doo snowmobile to the marketplace.

These first Ski-Doo snowmobiles were propelled by a single track that was as wide as the machine and set behind steerable skis. They were a huge success with the public and many other companies rushed their versions into production, giving rise to the sport of snowmobiling. Within a decade, the snowmobile significantly impacted winter activities in northern climates throughout the world.

Snowmobile safety is extremely important to avoid trauma to one’s self and to others. Clearly, the two most common causes of snowmobile accidents are excess speed and alcohol. It is well documented that speed is a major contributing factor in nearly all fatal snowmobile accidents. Drinking alcohol and then driving a snowmobile is another major factor in many snowmobile accidents and deaths.

Consuming alcohol before operating a snowmobile will certainly impair one’s judgment and significantly slows a person’s reaction time. A slowed reaction time from drinking alcohol while snowmobiling will make it difficult for a driver to react to a potentially serious or even life-threatening situation. A good motto regarding drinking alcohol and snowmobiling is: “Make it ‘none’ for the trail.”

In Michigan, snowmobile safety training is recommended for all snowmobile operators and required for operators between the ages of 12 and 17 years. A person who is at least 12 but less than 17 years of age must successfully complete a Michigan-approved snowmobile safety course. This is a State requirement if they will be operating a snowmobile without the direct supervision of a person 21 years of age or older, or if they will be crossing any highway or street.

The great Top of the Lake Snowmobile Museum is located in our Upper Peninsula community of Naubinway. They have a fantastic collection of antique, vintage, and classic snowmobiles. They are located on the north side of U.S. 2 in downtown Naubinway. This museum provides a memorable historical experience for people of all ages. I encourage you to visit this one-of-a-kind museum. This museum is open all year, daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Their very informative website is snowmobilemuseum.com.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Dr. Jim Surrell is the author of “The ABC’s For Success In All We Do” and the “SOS (Stop Only Sugar) Diet” books. He has his practice at the Digestive Health Clinic at U.P. Health System-Marquette. Requests for health topics for this column are encouraged. Contact Dr. Surrell by email at sosdietdoc@gmail.com.

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