While winter sports and activities such as snowmobiling can be exciting weekend activities, they can quickly result in serious personal injuries.
Indeed, according to a fact sheet from the American Council of Snowmobile Associations (ACSA), without proper safety protocols and training, snowmobiling can be a deadly wintertime sport.
The Rhode Island Department of State provides a guide to snowmobile regulations in our state. Providence residents who are considering purchasing or using a snowmobile this winter should become well acquainted with safety regulations in our state, as well as important safety tips from the ACSA.
If you or someone you love suffered serious injuries in a snowmobiling accident in Rhode Island, you should learn more about filing a claim for financial compensation. An aggressive Providence snowmobile accident attorney can answer your questions today.
Regulations for Snowmobile Use in Rhode Island
What do you need to know about safety, accident prevention, and snowmobile regulations in Rhode Island? As the state statute specifies, the following gear is necessary to legally (and safely) use a motorcycle in our state:
- Mufflers: All snowmobiles must be equipped with mufflers that properly limit engine noise. By controlling snowmobile noise, riders can better pay attention to their surroundings and safety obstacles that may arise.
- Headlamps: All snowmobiles being operated on public highways, as well as those in use between sunset and sunrise, must be equipped with “at least one white or amber headlamp of sufficient intensity.” By using proper headlamps, snowmobile riders can avoid accidents involving persons who might otherwise be obscured by darkness or weather conditions.
- Tail lamps: As with the headlamp regulation, all snowmobiles being operated on public highways, as well as those in use between sunset and sunrise, must be equipped with a tail lamp that can “reveal persons and vehicles at a distance of at least 100 feet.” Proper tail lamps can not only help a snowmobile to have better visibility, but they can also help to ensure that other vehicle drivers can see the snowmobile rider.
- Brakes: Snowmobiles in Rhode Island must have at least one brake that can stop the vehicle in specific conditions.
- Deflectors: All snowmobiles must have devices that “will deflect wind, snow, and/or small flying objects from the body and face of the operator.”
As you can see, these regulations help to prevent serious snowmobile accidents from happening. The regulations require equipment that can help the snowmobile rider to avoid collisions and can help other drivers to see the snowmobile rider, even in inclement weather.
Avoid Snowmobiling Dangers
According to the ACSA fact sheet, snowmobile riders should also understand some of the dangers that often result in accidents. These hazards include but are not limited to:
- Impaired operation (including driving a snowmobile under the influence of drugs or alcohol);
- Speeding;
- Careless operation;
- Snowy or icy roadways; and
- Avalanches.
The ACSA recommends that, in addition to adhering to all state regulations for snowmobile use, that riders consider safety courses that can help to teach them more about snowmobile accident prevention.
Contact a Rhode Island Snowmobile Accident Lawyer
Suffering an injury during a recreational activity can be an extremely frustrating and upsetting experience. If another party’s negligence caused your injuries, it is important to think carefully about filing a personal injury lawsuit. One of the dedicated Rhode Island snowmobile accident attorneys at our firm can help. Contact Gemma Law Associates, Inc., to learn more about our services.
