ATV & SNOWMOBILE SAFETY 3 read and follow the instructions and warnings contained in the ATV owner ’ s manual and labels . ATVs handle differently from other vehicles , such as motorcycles and cars . Proper instruction and practice are important .
Having a pre-ride safety checklist is a good idea for all riders and includes checking the mechanical condition of the machine and making sure you have spare parts , survival items and personal items needed for safety and comfort .
Riders should also leave a trip plan with someone else that lists their destination , travel times , contact information and anything else that could aid in finding a rider who gets lost or injured .
When it comes to snowmobiling , the safest rule is to never cross lakes or rivers , since doing so puts you at risk of plunging through the ice . If you decide to snow- mobile on ice , make sure the ice is safely frozen and only trust your own judgment .
Drowning is a leading cause of snowmobile fatalities so buying a buoyant snowmobile suit could be a life-saving decision . If you do go through the ice , your helmet and snowmobile suit , even if it ’ s non-buoyant , may keep you afloat for several minutes . Try sliding back onto the ice , using anything sharp to dig in for pull . Kicking your feet like a seal can help propel you onto the ice .
If the ice keeps breaking , continue moving toward the shore or the direction from which you came . Don ’ t remove your gloves or mitts . Once on the ice , you should roll away from the hole , making sure not to stand up until you are well away from it .
DON ’ T FORGET TO SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL SNOWMOBILE AND ATV CLUBS !
RECREATIONAL SAFETY DIVISION
Do you need to take a safety course to operate an ATV ?
Maine law requires a person 10 years of age or older but under 16 years of age to successfully complete a training program prior to operating on land other than that owned or leased by their parent or guardian or on which they live . These courses are made available in your area by volunteer instructors certified by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife . Pre-registration is requested and / or required . Courses will include 6 hours of instruction . Sponsors include school districts , sports clubs , civic groups , and others . Courses will be scheduled based on instructor availability . Those age 12 and older may complete the course online .
Find a course and learn more at mefishwildlife . com / safetycourses or call ( 207 ) 287-5220 .
ICE THICKNESS In the wintertime , outdoor enthusiasts frequently need to know how thick the ice is and whether it is safe to walk across it . The American Pulpwood Association has published a handy reference chart that gives a good rule-of-thumb for pond and lake ice thickness .
This table is for clear , blue ice on lakes . Reduce the strength values by 15 % for clear blue river ice . Slush ice is only one-half the strength of blue ice . This table does not apply for parked loads .
Snowmobile operators should also always know the area they ride in , ride at safe speeds , signal their riding intentions , watch for other snowmobilers and never operate under the influence of drugs or alcohol .
Always remember : ATVs , UTVs and snowmobiles are not toys , so taking these precautions can mean the difference between an enjoyable time and a dangerous one .
ICE THICKNESS in inches
PERMISSIBLE LOAD ON CLEAR , BLUE LAKE ICE reduce strength values for other types of ice
2 " One person on foot 3 " Group of people ( walking single file ) 7½ " Passenger Car ( 2 ton gross ) 8 " Light Truck ( 2½ ton gross ) 10 " Medium Truck ( 3½ ton gross ) 12 " Heavy Truck ( 7 – 8 ton gross ) 15 " Heavy Truck ( 10 ton gross ) 20 " 25 tons 25 " 45 tons 30 " 70 tons 36 " 110 tons
2023-24 STATE OF MAINE SUMMARY OF LAWS & RULES ATV & SNOWMOBILE