SLEDsmart! USA Knowledge Base

A crisp, clear night ride under the stars can be a great experience, and your sled is equipped with headlights for this reason, however you should always try to get back to familiar territory, home, or back to camp while there’s still daylight to work with. In the dark, obstacles will sneak up on you and you’ll be a lot harder to find if you get lost or knocked unconscious.

Snowmobile accidents that happen at night are commonly caused by simply running into objects or hazards that are harder to spot in reduced visibility. Something as simple as a rock on the edge of a trail (easily seen and avoided in the daylight) becomes an incredibly dangerous hazard at night.

Use these tips to make it home safe in the dark:

• Double-check that your lights are working before you leave home (pack extra bulbs in case you need them!).
• Stop to clean accumulating snow and ice off your headlights and your helmet visor or goggles while riding. You’ll need to do this frequently if you encounter freezing rain and wet snow.
• Remember that you’ll lose the light earlier if you’re riding a trail that’s surrounded by thick trees.
• Drive at a slow, safe speed to make sure you can see what obstacles, corners, bumps or other riders you’re approaching.
• Don’t override your headlights by driving too fast! This is when your stopping distance is greater than the reach of your headlights (the light will shine for about 220 feet in front of you).
• Never travel alone at night. It’s with a buddy or not at all.
• Keep to the marked trails and follow the trail signs. Never go rogue in the dark.
• Stick to familiar trails when night riding.
• Be extra cautious when crossing roads.
• Always carry emergency signaling equipment (like flares and flashlights).
• Wear reflective clothing or add reflective patches to your helmet and jacket.
• Always pull well off the trail if you need to stop and use a flashlight or headlamp that identify yourself to others on the trail.

Use the same tips when riding on overcast days or when the visibility isn’t great.