SLEDsmart! USA Knowledge Base

Think about it. You're ripping along the trail and suddenly you spot an obstacle that requires you to brake. Maybe it’s a downed tree, or just a tight curve in the trail. Whatever it is, understand that it would typically take you about 3 seconds to react. 

When you’re under the influence, your reaction time can be DOUBLED.

So what does this mean? It means if you're traveling along at 20mph, with a reaction time of 3 seconds, it would take you about 87 feet to react to the obstacle and to bring your machine to a stop (3 sec x 29 ft. per sec).

Add alcohol to this formula and you're looking at 174 feet. This is NOT enough time to prevent you from crashing into the obstacle at 20mph.

Never drink and ride!

PRESCRIPTION DRUGS

Drugs are drugs. If they alter your mental state in any way, you shouldn’t operate any type of machine after taking them. This may be obvious about drugs in the illegal category, but this is also true of over-the-counter cold and allergy meds, painkillers and muscle relaxers. Even these medical drugs can have a negative effect on your vision, coordination and judgment. Marijuana is also very dangerous for riders because it decreases a person’s ability to see at night, particularly when there is glare from other headlights. It also causes extreme fatigue when it wears off, which can be very dangerous when you’re operating a sled.

RIDER SAFETY TIP: REPORTING ACCIDENTS

If the worst happens and someone is killed or injured during your trip, it is your responsibility to immediately notify local law enforcement with the location and the details of how the accident occurred. Accident reporting requirements will vary state-by-state.