Passengers Are At Greater Risk

Unknown to many, head injuries are more common among family snowmachine passengers than drivers. It takes strength and stamina to be a passenger on a snowmachine. Passengers must hold on tightly for long periods of time. They are unable to see snowmachine shifts in advance. This is even more difficult when running over bumpy ground at a high speed.

Accidents occur more often when children double on youth snowmachines. Youth snowmachines are not designed as passenger machines. Passengers also distract drivers. All drivers, young and old, must pay close attention. No matter the ages of our passengers, drivers are responsible for very precious cargo. Even family snowmachines built for passengers increase risk of injuries. Passengers are often higher, making the snowmachine less stable.

Do The Family Snowmachines Fit Your Child?

It is important for young riders to be on the right size snowmachines. Riders who are too large overload the capability of a youth machine. Even more dangerous are riders who are too small for the horsepower and weight of family snowmachines intended for adults. They cannot reach the controls and have difficulty controlling the snowmachine. Their feet dangle above the running boards and foot wells. Without solid footing, children cannot shift body weight while riding. Riders who are too small cannot shift their weight to balance the sled.

Learn more about snowmachine safety for your entire family. Great sites such as: SnowTracks and Snoriders are entirely devoted to helping keep you and your loved ones safer while enjoying the great outdoors. In addition, sites dedicated to child safety and well-being, such as Caring for Kids provide great ideas for added safety while enjoying family snowmachines with your kids.

Family snowmachine safety will help you avoid an accident. Alaskan residents who suffer an injury on a snowmachine may want to investigate how the crash occurred. It’s possible you may have a claim for damages. If you want guidance in this process, schedule a free consultation with Johnson Law.

Johnson Law has been helping Alaskans for 30 years. It’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do. ~ Doug Johnson

Please call Johnson Law to discuss your case: (907)277-3090 or use our online contact form.

Image Source: Visit Anchorage Alaska

Safety Measures To Help Prevent Crashes

Before firing up your snowmachine, learn to ride. Training courses throughout Alaska are available for both new and experienced riders. Safety training for you and your family might be the difference between survival and tragedy.

Check out the training options through: Alaska Safe Riders and Alaska Avalanche School.

What To Do After A Snowmachine Crash

In one case, a quick-thinking boy saved his father from certain death after a serious snowmachine accident.

The boy and his father were enjoying the Lake Tahoe back-country on snowmachine. The dad lost control of his snowmachine and crashed. Injured with broken bones, the dad was unable to get up on his own. Furthermore, there was no cellphone service, so he sent his 9-year-old boy on his snowmachine to find help.

The boy rode 20 minutes and found a tour group. The tour guide radioed for assistance. The local sheriff’s department dispatched its search and rescue unit, along with some firefighters. The boy led the rescue team to his father, who at that point was looking weak and in serious pain. An hour after the snowmachine accident, the father had been helicoptered out of the area and was in surgery to repair his broken leg and resolve internal bleeding.

According to the boy’s mother, her son’s responsible actions led her to trust his judgment more. It certainly is fortunate that he was so resourceful for his age and was there to help his father after a snowmachine crash.

What Caused The Crash?

Whenever something like this happens with a snowmachine in Alaska, it is important to look at potential design defects. Design defects that can contribute to snowmobile crashes include faulty brakes, inadequate stability, or poorly designed suspension systems leading to loss of control, especially on uneven or icy terrain. 

Was the snowmachine defective in its manufacture or design? Did this lead to it being vulnerable to the problem that led to the snowmachine crash? If it can be proven that design or manufacturing defects cased a crash, then injured parties may be able to seek financial restitution in court.

Johnson Law has been helping Alaskans for nearly 30 years. It’s who we are.

And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do. ~ Doug Johnson

Please call Johnson Law to discuss your case: (907)277-3090 or use our online contact form.

Sources: Outdoor Hub; Products Liability in Alaska—A Practitioner’s Overview; Alaska Safe Riders; and Alaska Avalanche School

Image Source: In Deep Alaska

Prioritize Snowmachine Maintenance

Never risk a snowmachine break down or accident, even for a short ride. Review the owner’s manual of your snowmachine and speak with a dealership for advice on keeping your machine properly maintained. Always ensure your headlights and brakes are functioning well and you have enough gas for your trip. Ensure family snowmachines are appropriate for the driver and passenger.

Ride Safely – Avoid A Snowmachine Crash

Always be aware of your surroundings and look for other people, vehicles, and animals. Make sure to tell someone where you’re going and when you expect to return. Be safe in avalanche areas and know how to recognize potential dangerous terrain. Look for thin ice and other dangerous hazards that may be under the snow.

Avoid “overdriving” your snowmachine’s headlight, as even going as little as 30 miles per hour, it can take a much longer distance to stop on ice than your headlight reaches. Many accidents involving snowmachines going through the ice happen because of going too fast for the driver to stop when the light reached a whole in the ice.

Have an emergency kit containing food, water, a space blanket, spare parts, and tools in the event of a breakdown. Cell phone reception isn’t guaranteed, especially in remote areas, and it may take time for someone to reach you.

Beware of Hypothermia When Snowmachining

Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol and coffee. Your body’s ability to produce heat can be limited from the effects of dehydration. Eat well before leaving and throughout the day to avoid becoming fatigued.

Snowmachining can feel very cold due to the combination of low temperatures, wind chill, and the exposed nature of snowmachines. Dress in layers of well-insulating, non-cotton clothing to keep warm. Wear appropriate cold weather and protective outer gear to guard yourself from the elements and potential hazards.

Johnson Law has been helping Alaskans for nearly 30 years. It’s who we are.

And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do. ~ Doug Johnson

Please call Johnson Law to discuss your case: (907)277-3090 or use our online contact form.

Sources: Snowmobile Info; Alaska Snowmachine Alliance

Image Source: Alaska Snowmachine Alliance