Familiar Causes

Snowmobiling

The most common causes of serious snowmobile crashes are the same as those involving highway vehicles: excessive speed, careless driving and alcohol.

A study conducted in Maine reported 12 deaths from snowmobile mishaps during the 1995-96 winter, the highest total in 25 years.

Most of the reported crashes occurred during clear weather (79 percent), and nearly half (43 percent) on groomed, marked trails. About three out of four drivers and passengers wore helmets.

The leading causes were excessive speed (52 percent), inattention or careless operation (27 percent) and mechanical failure (6 percent). Alcohol was deemed a contributing factor in 13 percent of the incidents. But 41 percent of those who died in snowmobile crashes showed an elevated blood-alcohol level. Fatalities were more likely after dark.