Traveling with a buddy or small group is always advised. If you must travel alone, even short distances, alert someone of your travel plans and route. Snowmobile helmets have proven themselves effective in preventing serious head injury and death. Also, wear goggles or a face shield to protect yourself against flying debris. If you're going to be driving snowmobile, stay off alcohol and drugs, both of which impair judgement and slow reaction time.
Alcohol abuse is the number one cause of snowmobile related accidents.
Alcohol usage is also particularly dangerous in colder Winter months, as alcohol causes body temperatures to drop at an accelerated rate, increasing the likelihood of hypothermia. Most States have now adopted new and stiffer laws regarding alcohol usage and snowmobiling. Speed is a contributing factor in almost all fatal snowmobile accidents. In poor weather conditions, reduce speed below the posted limit when necessary. Those operating snowmobiles should always allow ample distance between their machine and other operators.