A snowmobile’s headlight illuminates only about 200 feet in front of your snowmobile If you’re driving faster than about 45 miles per hour, you’re likely ‘overriding your headlight’—meaning you’re going so fast that you pass through the area illuminated by your headlight before you can stop safely
What is the best way to prevent overriding your snowmobile headlights?
Night Riding Never “overdrive your headlight” Make sure you can stop within the length of your headlight beam A snowmobile high beam is effective for about 200 feet (6096 meters) To avoid a collision, travel slower than 30 mph (483 km/h) The stopping distance at this speed is about 220 feet (6706 meters)
What is the danger in overriding your headlights?
Overdriving your headlights means not being able to stop inside the illuminated area ahead It is difficult to judge other vehicles’ speeds and distances at night Do not overdrive your headlights—it creates a blind “crash area” in front of your vehicle You should be able to stop inside the illuminated area ahead
What do responsible snowmobilers do?
Safe snowmobilers know that they are responsible for their snowmobile and for their behavior while operating it They demonstrate responsibility by learning about their snowmobile and by improving their riding skills Knows and observes the laws governing snowmobiles
What is a cowl on a snowmobile?
Hood or Cowl Protects and covers the engine and other mechanical components
What should you carry on any snowmobile ride?
Although the contents will vary based on conditions and the length of your outing, a survival kit could include: Emergency blanket Emergency food and water (enough for one or two extra days) Flashlight Hand axe or saw High-energy snacks such as candy bars Knife Nylon rope Plastic whistle
What is the best way to familiarize yourself with a new snowmobile?
A good way to familiarize yourself with your machine is to review your owner’s manual
What does over driving your headlights mean?
It is often called ‘overdriving your headlights’ when a driver’s visibility is limited due to fog or darkness, but the driver still drives at a speed which does not allow them the ability to stop in time to avoid obstacles in the road
At what speed do you outrun your headlights?
The math is surprisingly simple: At 55 miles per hour, you need about 500 feet to perceive an obstacle, react to it and bring your vehicle to a complete and safe stop AAA’s research found that the most common halogen reflector lights illuminate only 300 feet on low beams
What is the main cause of over driving your headlights?
You are overdriving your headlights when you go so fast that your stopping distance is farther than you can see with your headlights This may cause you to over-drive your headlights if you are not careful (Diagram 2-58)
What does fatigue affect on a snowmobile?
Long periods of riding combined with motion, wind, engine noise, and vibration cause fatigue Fatigue can lead to accidents because it impairs judgment and slows reaction time
What is the danger of wearing loose clothing when riding a snowmobile?
Because it traps air, it acts like a flotation device Some suits also have flotation material sewn into the lining, and others have special air pockets that you can inflate by blowing into a tube Clothing should fit snugly and still be comfortable Clothing that’s too loose can snag on your sled, twigs, and branches
What does the R in Tread Lightly mean?
The word “TREAD” helps us remember to: Travel responsibly Respect the rights of others Educate yourself
What makes a snowmobile move?
The wheels on a snowmobile are essentially large gears with teeth spaced evenly with holes in the tracks Every rotation of the gears powers the tracks and drives the snowmobile forward The faster the engine, the faster the gears rotate, and the faster the tracks move The primary clutch sits on the engine crankshaft
Why are snowmobiles called sleds?
Why are snowmobiles referred to as sleds? Snowmobiles are more than likely called sleds because snowmobilers began describing themselves as sledders in the 1980s Also, other terms for snowmobiles include motor sled, so the term “sled” may be a shorthand of this
What are all the parts of a snowmobile?
Let’s take a look at some of the different key snowmobile parts: Handlebars The handlebars are your main connection to the snowmobile Throttle The throttle powers the drive shaft and ultimately the rubber track that moves you forward across the snow Windshield Headlights Hood Engine Hull, tub or belly pan Skis
What should you not do on a snowmobile?
Do not pull people on anything behind your snowmobile Snowmobiles are not designed to pull sleds, skiers or saucers and it is very unsafe to do so
What do snowmobile wear under snow pants?
You want a good moisture wicking material such as fleece, wool, polyester, or a synthetic-blend Your first layer needs to be polyester or synthentic A long underwear top and bottom or a “onsie” is what you’re after After the onsie, a good midlayer and an inner top layer are your goto’s
Can you run a snowmobile without a battery?
You can operate a snowmobile without a battery Some snowmobiles have a pull start, and others can be jump started even with a dead battery Running a snowmobile without a battery is not recommended as it can lead to electrical issues Try replacing the dead battery as soon as possible
Which of the following should you do before starting your snowmobile?
Before you start your snowmobile, check the following: Weather forecast: ensure your clothing is appropriate for temperature, wind chill factor and conditions Throttle: it should freely return to the idle or closed position Snowmobile: it should be positioned in a clear space free of people or objects
What should you always remove before leaving your snowmobile unattended snowmobile Ed?
Lubricate the drive clutch with light grease Charge and remove the battery, if your machine has one Plug all openings—such as the exhaust and air intake—to keep out rodents Remove the seat, if possible, and store it inside
What factors must be considered when adjusting the headlight on your snowmobile?
Adjust the tilt of the headlight according to the load distribution on your machine For example, if you typically sit back on the seat or carry a load at the rear of the snowmobile, the front rides higher than normal Therefore, the headlight may need to be tilted downward slightly
What does don’t overdrive your headlights mean?
Answer: Overdriving your headlights means driving too fast to be able to stop in the distance lit by your headlights
What is traction affected by?
While driving, traction is affected by: Gravity, or the weight of your vehicle Friction between the tires and the road surface The condition and wear of your tires and the road surface
What is a result of poor peripheral vision?
The Symptoms of Poor Peripheral Vision Other symptoms of peripheral vision loss include difficulty walking because peripheral vision also helps with sense of motion and spatial awareness Peripheral vision loss can also make it difficult to see in low light conditions