Training and Safety

• Hand Signals
• Safety Do Not Drink & Drive
• Safety Defensive Snowmobiling
• Dressing Right
• Ice and Snowmobiles
• The Repair and Emergency Kit should contain...
• Night Riding
• Driver Training Program

Hand Signals
	Stop Arm raised from the shoulder and extended straight up over the head with palm of hand flat. Left arm may also be used to signal "STOP"
	Slowing Left arm extended out and down from the side of the body with a downward flapping motion of hand to signal warning or caution.
	Right Turn Left arm raised at shoulder height, elbow bent and forearm vertical with the palm of the hand flat
	Left Turn Left arm extended straight out from shoulder and pointing in the direction of the turn
	Last Sled in Line Raise forearm from handle bar and show clenched fist at shoulder height.
	Sleds Following Arm raised, elbow bent with thumb pointing backward, in a hitch hiking motion move arm forward to backward over your shoulder.
	Oncoming Sleds Left arm raised at shoulder height, elbow bent and forearm vertical, wrist bent, move arm from left to right over head, pointing to the right side of trails

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Safety Do Not Drink & Drive
Snowmobiling requires constant care, caution and attention. Don't drink and ride. Even small amounts of alcohol can impair your perception, slow your reaction time and limit your ability to control your sled at that critical moment when your life is in the balance. Alcohol is involved in over 70% of snowmobiling fatalities.

Moreover, snowmobiling often takes you to remote areas miles from help, increasing your risk of permanent injury or death after an accident. And contrary to popular opinion, alcohol increases your susceptibility to cold & hypothermia. This will decrease your chances of survival if you have to wait long for help to arrive.

Finally, operating your sled under the influence of alcohol is punishable under the Criminal Code of Canada. If convicted of driving a snowmobile while impaired, you will lose all driving privileges (car, truck, motorcycle, off-road vehicles and snowmobile) Therefore if you drink and ride both your driver's license and insurability are at risk.

The Snowmobile Trail Officer Patrol (S.T.O.P.) officers are trained volunteers empowered to enforce the Motorized Snow Vehicles Act. This OFSC program is continuing to expand into many communities in Ontario. Keep your wits about you. Don't Drink and Ride.

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Safety Defensive Snowmobiling
Engine noise and your helmet may impair your hearing, so be extra alert for danger. Never assume what another snowmobiler will do. Your safety is in your hands, so watch out for:

• Obstacles hidden by the snow
• Trees and branches on the trail
• Slow grooming equipment
• Oncoming sleds
• Other trail users ( skiers, walkers, )
• Wildlife Trail wash outs and flooding
• Snow banks and moguls
• Road and railway crossings
• Unexpected corners, intersections and stops
• Bridges, open water and unsafe ice
• Logging operations

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Dressing Right
With high tech winter wear and proper layering, winter comfort is easy. Start with polypropylene and thermal under layers that releases moisture while retaining heat. Add other heat retentive layers depending on the temperature. Also consider the fact that your forward motion will add to the wind-chill factor. Avoid cottons and sweat shirts which retain moisture, making you cold and clammy which leads to hypothermia. Good snowmobile wear contains materials that retain heat, release moisture and resist both water and wind. Even better try to find suits that are water and wind proof. Consider wearing an buoyant snowmobile suit if you plan on traveling across ice as they will assist to keep you afloat but most of all help to protect you against hypothermia. . Snowmobile suits should have reflective trim for night visibility. Carry extra clothing, socks, boot liners and mitts for layering. A helmet and face shield combat cold and hazards, while waterproof, insulated boots and leather snowmobile mitts provide warmth and protection.

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Ice and Snowmobiles
Drowning is one of the leading causes of snowmobile fatalities. Wherever possible, avoid riding on frozen lakes and rivers because ice conditions are never a safe bet. Ice conditions can change in a period of several hours If you must cross ice, ask first, then stay on the packed or marked trail. Don't stop until you reach shore. If you hit slush, don't let off the throttle. If you are following someone who hits slush, veer off to make your own path. If you must travel over lakes and rivers then consider using a buoyant snowmobile suit which will assist you to reach the closest ice surface. Also consider carrying a set of picks which will help you grip the edge of the ice more easily As a rule of thumb, "If you don't know, don't go." If you do break through the ice, don't panic. Follow these self rescue tips: Kick vigorously into a horizontal position and swin to the nearest ice edge. Place hands/arms on unbroken ice while kicking hard to propel your body onto the ice, like a seal. Once clear, stay flat and roll away to stronger ice. Stand, keep moving and find shelter fast.
For more information on ice safety and rescue, contact the Lifesaving Society at 613 746 5694 and ask for a copy of their ice manual.

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Night Riding
A disproportionate number of snowmobiling incidents, including nine out of ten fatalities, occur after dark. Most often night riding also includes alcohol consumption and excessive speed. Forward visibility is reduced by darkness and it is much more difficult to spot and identify potential hazards in time. Overdriving headlights can also be a serious problem, so slow down when snowmobiling after dark. Becoming disoriented or lost is much more likely at night. Always wear outer clothing with reflective trim on the arms, back and helmet. Never ride alone at night. Always dress in your full snowmobiling outfit even if your intended destination is just next door.

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Driver Training Program
The Maple Leaf Snow Skimmers will be running a driver training course December 3, 2011 please contact  Diane Hammond at 613-338-2905 for more information.

The Organization Under the authority of the Motorized Snow Vehicle Act, The Minister of Transportation has authorized the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) as an agent to issue snow vehicle operator's licences. The OFSC provides members of the public with the knowledge and skills required to operate a motorized snow vehicle safely. The Ministry approves the curriculum and all revisions to the curriculum. The chief Master Instructor is the OFSC contact person for the purposes of this agreement. The Club Instructors report to the Master Instructor and the Master Instructor reports to the Chief Master Instructor. The Chief Master Instructor reports to Ministry of Transportation Ontario, the Chair of Driver Training and to the Chair of Programs and Club Services. There are 409 Club Instructors, 20 Master Instructors and one Chief Master Instructor in the Province. The number of Instructors varies as new Instructors are trained and others resign. All clubs have at least one instructor.

Driver Training Office
Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs
Driver Training Office
106 Saunders Road,
Unit 12 Barrie, ON L4N 9A8 Telephone: 705 739 7669 Ext 238
Fax : 705 739 5005
Email: drivertrain@ofsc.on.ca

The Driver Training Course Age Requirement
The Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs has a contract with the Ministry of Transportation to train students in the safe operation of snowmobiles. In order to attend, a student must be 12 years of age or over on the day the course begins. Course Material
All course material is approved by the Ministry of Transportation.

Course Fees
The course fee is set by the Ministry of Transportation and includes the cost of the student books. The course fee is reviewed annually. The Driver Training Program is self supporting from the registration fee and requires no funding from either the OFSC or MTO. The MTO contract with the OFSC stipulates that they have the right to audit the Driver Training records including the financial books.

The course fee is currently set at $ 40.00 by MTO and includes all course materials.

Length of Course
The course is a minimum of six hours of classroom instruction

Number of Students
The course size is limited to a maximum of 20 students at each training session.

Course Content

• History and development of Snowmobiles
• Motorized snow vehicle laws of Ontario
• Trespass to property Act.
• Occupies Liability Act.
• General Features and Theory of Operation of a Snowmobile
• Operation and general maintenance of a snowmobile
• Preparation of a snowmobile for safe operation
• Pre-Ride Inspection
• Procedure Trouble Shooting
• Operation of the snowmobile and recognizing hazards
• Snowmobile Clothing
• Coping with emergencies and cold weather survival
• Promoting a more positive and responsible attitude and behaviour when operating a snowmobile.

Certificates/Licenses
Upon the successful completion of the driver training course including a written exam, a student is issued a Motorized Snow Vehicle Operator's Licence. The students who possess a valid Ontario Drivers Licence of any class at the time of taking the course are given a card certifying completion of the course. A motorized Snow Vehicle Licence or a valid Ontario Drivers Licence of any class is required by anyone who operates a snowmobile off their own property.

Anyone who does not have a valid driver's license because of a court or police action will not be issued a Motorized Snow Vehicle Driver's License.

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