Iowa isn't a very ditch-friendly state for snowmobilers

You can tell its winter in Iowa. The first snow mobile accident has come to my attention. The report has a snowmobiler being airlifted to Mercy Medical Center North Iowa where he's reported to be in fair condition. The report from the Iowa State Patrol has the guy driving with a group on the median of Highway 218 around Charles City, Iowa. He strikes a culvert, surprise-surprise, goes airborne and crashes. Iowa isn't a ditch friendly state for snowmobilers. Now in northern Minnesota the local governments created a ditch friendly highway for snowmobilers, but not in Iowa. The ditches are full of concrete culverts. So let's be careful out there. If you do a Google search for "snowmobile accidents" you're likely to find news stories concerning snowmobile accidents leading to death or serious personal injury too numerous to mention. Utica, New York must have large snowmobile population because they have plenty of serious accidents. See the article. And of course Michigonians seem to have their fair share of accidents leading to pi or even death. Here is a video from Oakland County about a couple of snowmobilers colliding. The quote I find of interest.

"It's not the snowmobiles that kill; it's the people driving them," said Cheryl Ziola.

Which brings us back to Old Man Winter being the ‘cause' of accidents on Iowa's slippery roads; granted slippery roads are treacherous but it's the driver 99% of the time that did something wrong. They drive too fast, texting, on the cell phone, just not paying attention or being drunk. Pick your poison and you'll find a cause. Now back to OMW. If OMW could be a cause of an accident then it would always be a cause when there is a snowmobile accident. But no one in their right mind believes that about snowmobile accidents. Because everyone knows snow is slippery and they go fast. Meaning, the drivers are on notice of the conditions likely to contribute to a loss of control. Well the same applies to cars and trucks and semis. So let's leave OMW out of the causation discussion and get back to snowmobilers.

"Ziola said she believes anyone who buys a snowmobile should get more safety training."

The International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association [ISMA] has a worldwide safety campaign. The ISMA created a list of do's and don'ts. Here is the list. Keep in mind the best piece of advice is to travel with someone else so that when the SHTF you've got someone to save you or to call for help.

The most important snowmobile safety practices are:

* Maintain the snowmobile in top condition

* Wear appropriate gear including helmet and face shield or goggles; layers of clothing (water repellent); warm mitts or gloves; warm boots; windproof outer layer;

* Stay in control by knowing and staying within your own abilities and the abilities of the vehicle;

* Plan your route and tell someone else, including estimated time of arrival;

* Travel at a safe speed and be especially cautious at night -Avoid alcohol and drugs before and when driving;

* Ride with someone else  do not travel alone;

* Stay alert. Be aware of fatigue caused by the vibration and motion of the snowmobile and the sun and wind, all of which affect reaction time;

* Stay on marked trails;

* Make sure to cross streets and roads carefully, remembering to first stop before continuing at a right angle to the road - also always avoid crossing any bodies of water;

* Carry a safety kit containing a first aid kit, flashlight, matches, tool kit, and compass;

* If traveling in the mountains, be aware of avalanche dangers;

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One Hurt in Snowmobile Accident
KIMT
The Iowa State Patrol says 31-year-old Cory Mutch of Charles City, IA was riding in a group of snowmobilers in the median of highway 218. ...
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