About the Safe Riders! Program

The Safe Riders! Snowmobile Safety Awareness Program provides basic essentials about snowmobile safety and includes short quizzes to help test your knowledge about safe snowmobiling practices. It is meant to supplement information provided by the state or province in which you register or ride your snowmobile, so be sure to check local rules and requirements before venturing out on the snow.

This Program has been produced through a partnership between the American Council of Snowmobile Associations (ACSA), the International Association of Snowmobile Administrators (IASA), and the International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association (ISMA) with financial assistance from the Recreational Trails Program administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation — Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).

Preparing for your ride

Be Prepared for Your Ride

Learn the importance of proper riding apparel starting with under layers, eye protection and headgear along with boots and outer layers; gear to pack and emergency kits; good trip planning practices; towing a trailer; common laws; and a pre-ride checklist.

Snowmobile parts

Key Snowmobile Parts

Learn about key snowmobile controls along with various parts and fluids important to safely operate your snowmobile.

Sledders signaling

Riding Tips

This section covers a wide range of safe riding tips including: starting your snowmobile; riding positions and hand signals; common trail signs; riding in groups, with passengers, alone, and in varying snow conditions; getting unstuck; night riding; towing; and rider responsibilities.

Snowmobiler being transported by helicopter

Surviving Emergencies

Since snowmobiling often occurs in remote locations, it is important to learn what to do if you become stranded, how to keep warm in changing terrain and weather conditions, and basic tips and principles for how to care for injuries that may occur on the trail or in the backcountry.

Dangerous mountainside

Dangers to Avoid

It is important that riders consider potential dangers like alcohol and impaired operation, speed and careless operation, roads and railroads, ice, and avalanches — all which can be present when snowmobiling. This section provides tips on how to avoid these dangers along with a quiz.

Take the test

Take the Test

You’ve read all the chapters, studied the laws and rules of safe snowmobiling. Learned all parts of your snowmobile and the best practices to ensure a safe ride. Think you are ready to test your snowmobiling safety knowledge?
Put your knowledge to the test in the Safe Riders Snowmobile Safety Awareness test!

Provided in Partnership By