Snowmobile Safety Tips During Harsh Winter Months

FACT: Approximately 13,400 hospital emergency room-treated injuries occur each year with snowmobiles.

FACT: About 110 Americans die each year as a result of snowmobile accidents.

FACT: Approximately twofifths or 40 percent of the reported snowmobile deaths resulted from colliding with trees, wires, bridges, and other vehicles.

-statistics provided by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Thanks to snowmobiling, winter has become a season to enjoy. Snowmobile enthusiasts welcome the low temperatures and high snowfalls!

"Snowmobiling is one of the easiest motorized recreational life-style activities to learn, making it suitable for individuals of all ages to enjoy an active, outdoor lifestyle in the winter, develop new friendships and extend old ones," said Ed Klim, president of the International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association (ISMA).

"Nothing beats cruising through fresh powder on your sled, until something unexpected happens," said Allstate spokeswoman for New York, Krista Conte. "Allstate offers affordable coverage that helps protect you, your passengers and your snowmobile, including: Liability Coverage, Medical Payments Coverage, and Physical Damage Coverage."

Allstate Insurance Company and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends the following safe snowmobiling rules for recreational snowmobiling:

Never drive your snowmobile alone or on unfamiliar ground. Have someone ride along with you, so you can help each other in case of breakdown or accident.

Avoid waterways. Frozen lakes and rivers can be fatal. It is almost impossible to judge adequate ice coverage or depth.

Avoid driving in bad weather. Check warnings for snow, ice, and wind chill conditions before starting

Watch the path ahead to avoid rocks, trees, fences (particularly barbed wire), ditches, and other obstacles.

Slow down at the top of a hill A cliff, snowbank, or other unforseen hazard could be on the other side.

Never drink while driving your snowmobile. Drinking and driving can prove fatal.