There is still plenty of winter left here in Colorado. If you like to get outdoors and enjoy the winter weather, you may go skiing, snowboarding or even snowmobiling.

It can be difficult to remember that a snowmobile is a motorized vehicle. This means that it can reach speeds high enough to cause serious injuries or even death if an accident occurs. If you intend to go snowmobiling any time during this winter season, a refresher regarding safety may be in order.

You can enjoy yourself…safely

The following tips could help keep you safe while on a snowmobile:

• Make sure you layer your clothing and wear enough to stay warm. In addition, use a helmet to protect your head.
• Keep some emergency equipment handy, such as a first aid kit, a flashlight, extra blankets and fuel, and more. The better prepared you are for the worst, the better your chances are of surviving a catastrophe.
• Make sure you are familiar with the area in which you will be riding. Not only will you know the terrain, but also it could keep you from getting lost, especially during the cold winter months.
• Familiarize yourself with the snowmobile. It’s important to understand how it works and know whether its parts function properly.
• Understand the hand signals that indicate stopping, turning and slowing down.
• Keep your eyes out for obstacles and other hazards on the route you take. Snow can easily mask rocks and other debris that your snowmobile could hit.
• Consider taking a safety course before heading out. You may learn something you didn’t know that could save your life.
• You know not to drink and drive in your personal vehicle, but you may not realize that drinking and driving on a snowmobile is just as illegal and dangerous.

You should also consider obtaining an insurance policy. This is separate from other policies you may have. You never know what can happen, and you could find yourself suffering injuries for which you need to make a claim. If another snowmobile rider’s negligence causes your injuries, you could make a claim against that rider’s insurance as well. Regardless of whether the other rider has insurance, you may file a personal injury claim in a Colorado civil court, seeking compensation for the damages caused to you in the accident.

If you file claims with your insurance company and the other insurance company, they must follow certain rules and treat you fairly. If you suspect that is not happening or receive a settlement offer, you may want to discuss it with an experienced attorney before taking any further action, in order to make sure it is the best course of action under the circumstances.