Column: Aaron Worm, Behind the Mic

It seems like most people I talk to have enjoyed this mild winter so far.

Record-breaking highs in January and lack of snow has given us an early taste of spring. If this trend continues, I know I would not complain, but I do feel bad for those who love the outdoor activities that Minnesota usually offers during this time of the year. Many businesses and resorts depend on the snow and cold weather, so I do hope things change soon for those who depend on income from a typical winter.

I bring up weather today because it is officially Snowmobile Safety Awareness Week. Even though we probably won’t see any sleds cruising around Freeborn County this week, safety reminders are always important because at some point we are going to get snow, right?

Here are a few things to remember from the state’s Department of Natural Resources and the United Snowmobilers Association.

To legally drive a snowmobile, anyone born after Dec. 31, 1976, needs to have a valid snowmobile safety certificate. Safety courses are taught all over the state.

Don’t drink and drive.

Slow down. Speed is a contributing factor in nearly all deadly snowmobile accidents.

Be prepared. Always have a first aid kit, flashlight, waterproof matches and compass with you.

Stay alert. Fatigue can reduce coordination and judgment.

Avoid traveling across bodies of water when uncertain of ice thickness and strength on lakes and ponds.

Dress for success. Use a full-size helmet, goggles or face shield, dress in layers and clothing should be snug so no loose ends get caught in the machine.

Watch the weather.Rapid weather changes can produce dangerous conditions.

Bring a buddy and never travel alone.

Report accidents. Snowmobile operators involved in accidents resulting in medical attention, death or damage exceeding $500 must file an official accident report through the county sheriff’s office within 10 days.

Now I think I have actually been snowmobiling on maybe three or four occasions, and when I have gone, I am the one that would be cruising along at 20 mph. I have never had the need for speed. But I bring up snowmobiling because so many of my friends have been disappointed with the lack of snow.

One of my buddies has a brand new sled sitting in his garage, and last week when I visited he started it up just to hear the sound of it and smell the exhaust. On Saturday I was with a friend I hadn’t seen in years, who was visiting from Wasilla, Alaska, and he said we can have some of their snow, where some places in the state have seen over 20 feet of the white stuff. At some point I expect Mother Nature to pay us back for the lack of winter so far. Give it a few weeks — maybe a month — and the ice rinks will be filled with skaters, the hills with skiers and the trails with snowmobilers. If not, it has to come at some point, doesn’t it snow in May? As this rate it could happen.

 

KATE Sports Director Aaron Worm’s column appears each Monday in the Tribune. He can be heard from 6 to 11 a.m. weekdays on The Breeze.