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Be Prepared for Your Ride
Key Snowmobile Parts
Riding Tips
Surviving Emergencies
Dangers to Avoid
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Section 3:
Riding Tips
Starting Your Machine
Riding Positions
Hand Signals
Trail Signs
Riding in a Group
Riding with Passengers
Never Ride Alone
Getting Unstuck
Night Riding
Towing
Varying Snow Conditions
Snowmobiler Responsibilities
Etiquette for Encountering Trail Grooming Equipment
Quiz
Section 3 Quiz
When starting your snowmobile:
A: Be in a position where you can control it once it starts
B: Make sure it is pointed in a safe direction
C: Make sure the track, skis and throttle are not frozen
D: Make sure key is ‘on’ and emergency kill switch is ‘up’
E: All of the above
Why is it important to learn more riding positions than only ‘sitting’ on the snowmobile seat?
A: So other riders can see your hand signals better
B: They help save fuel and make the snowmobile run better
C: They are more comfortable and much safer
D: So you can safely and confidently respond to changing trail and terrain conditions
E: A and C
A right turn is signaled by:
A: Bending your right elbow, forming an "L" or right angle
B: Extending your right arm straight out from your shoulder
C: Bending your left elbow, forming an "L" or right angle
D: With your left arm, point to the right side of the trail while motioning over your head
E: Turning on the snowmobile’s right turn signal
Which signs do snowmobile operators have to obey?
A: Stop and yield signs
B: No trespassing, stay on trail, and speed limits
C: When on or along a road, all traffic signs posted for automobiles
including highway speed limits
D: A and B
E: All of the above
When riding in a group on trails:
A: Keep a safe distance between sleds by following the 3-Second Rule
B: Ride side-by-side to help keep your group together
C: Always ride single file
D: A and C
E: None of the above
When riding with passengers:
A: Place children in front of you on the seat
B: Do so only on snowmobiles with an extra long seat designed for 2 passengers
C: Go faster to help turn corners more easily
D: All of the above
E: None of the above
When riding alone:
A: Enjoy the opportunity for solitude and explore new places
B: Be doubly certain to ride safely and pack your emergency kit and safety gear
C: Always let someone know exactly where you’re going and when you will return
D: B and C
E: Absolutely never ride alone
If you get your snowmobile stuck, you should:
A: Stand up, wave, and call for help
B: Stand up, jump on the running boards, and give it full throttle to drive out
C: Walk for help
D: All of the above
E: None of the above
When riding at night it is important to:
A: Slow down and keep the snowmobile’s tail light clear of ice and snow
B: Avoid trails since wildlife likes to travel on them at night
C: Drive faster to help scare wildlife off trails
D: Understand a snowmobile’s headlight shines only 400 feet in front of it
E: All of the above
What can be safely towed with a snowmobile?
A: Inner tubes, sleds and toboggans
B: Skiers
C: A cutter with a rigid hitch
D: All of the above
E: Nothing should be towed with a snowmobile
Winter weather can produce a wide range of unpredictable snow conditions:
A: Always be prepared for the unexpected
B: Always speed up when riding in powder or wet snow
C: Riding on dirt or ice is the same as riding on packed trails
D: All of the above
E: None of the above
All snowmobile riders must:
A: Respect skiers, hikers, snowshoers and dogsleds using the same trail
B: Avoid snowmobile trails when cross-country skiers and dog sleds are present
C: Respect access across private and public lands since it is a privilege, not a right
D: A and C
E: All of the above
If you meet a trail groomer on the trail:
A: Slow down immediately since it travels very slow and you’ll be there quickly
B: Move your snowmobile to the far right side of the trail or off the trail
C: Try to stay off the freshly groomed trail once it passes by you
D: All of the above
E: None of the above
Snowmobiling on a freshly groomed trail before it has had time to set up and refreeze:
A: Is the best possible riding experience since it allows everyone in the group to
spread out and enjoy smooth trails
B: Allows you to go fast without worrying about bumps in the trail
C: Quickly destroys the trail base and results in rough trails
D: Provides a great opportunity to practice maneuvering your snowmobile
E: A and B
Next Section: Surviving Emergencies
Section 3 Overview
Starting Your Machine
Riding Positions
Hand Signals
Trail Signs
Riding in a Group
Riding with Passengers
Never Ride Alone
Getting Unstuck
Night Riding
Towing
Varying Snow Conditions
Rider Responsibilities
Etiquette for Encountering Trail Grooming Equipment
Section Quiz
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