1. Be sure your snowmobile is in top-notch mechanical condition at the beginning of the winter season and throughout the months of use.
2. Familiarize yourself with the snowmobile you are driving by reading in detail the manual accompanying the snowmobile.
3. Dress properly. A helmet, eye protection devices, and adequate clothing, based on current and forecasted weather conditions, are a must. Avoid wearing long or loose scarves, shoelaces, etc., which could get caught in any moving parts of the snowmobile.
4. Always carry a first aid kit.
5. Always carry a tool kit.
6. Know the terrain you are going to ride. If unfamiliar to you, ask someone who has traveled over it before.
7. Stay on marked trails or marked roads open to snowmobiles. Do not cross-country travel unless preparations have been carefully made. Always carry a map.
8. Know the weather forecast and especially the ice and snow conditions in the area. When the weather turns bad, turn back. People traveling by snowmobile should be aware that snow on steep slopes is subject to avalanching. Small avalanches can be as deadly as large ones.
9. Always use the buddy system. Never ride off alone or unaccompanied.
10. When planning extended trips, prepare a route plan with an estimated time of return. Give this information to a responsible person. Keep as close to your plan as possible.
11. When making extended trips, carry emergency equipment. Leave your machine only as a last resort, then follow your trail back. AVOID TRAVELING WITH ONLY ONE SNOWMOBILE IN REMOTE AREAS.
12. Do not pursue domestic or wild animals. No true sportsperson would stoop to such conduct. If you see a violation of this rule, report it to the nearest law enforcement officer.
13. At all times, be sure you have a properly operating lighting system on the snowmobile.
14. Drowning is one cause of snowmobile fatalities. When not familiar with the thickness of the ice or water currents, avoid these areas.
15. Don't remove the factory-installed air box or muffer to install one that makes more noise. This would lessen the performance of your vehicle. The manufacturer is trying hard, for the betterment of the environment, to develop a quieter machine.
16. Join a local Snowmobile Club. This will acquaint you with others with whom to make trips and they are usually prepared to help people in distress.

One of the ways that the Montana Snowmobile Association has promoted safety is they have worked for several years with various organizations to promote snowmobile safety. If you are a MSA member or would like to become one then your membership and/or contributions can continue the assistance in snowmobile safety and awareness. Thank you.