We all like to ride with out snowmobile helmets because that’s easy and we love to feel the wind on our face. There’s something about the sheer power of the machine and really hits home when you don’t have anything protecting your face. There’s also nothing that drives home the reality of the power of the earth when you roll your machine and your head hits the ground. Unfortunately, the ground always wins. Crazy but very predicable.
I have had the sad misfortune of witnessing too many accidents in my driving days and it’s always much worse when snowmobile helmets are not used. I’m not sure if it’s the inconvenience or the style conflict that keeps people from wearing them when they ride but whatever it is, this trend needs to stop. Please take some time to shop for a helmet that works with your style and also that protects you from the ground and other riders.
If you think that the “soft” snow is going to protect your head from injury, you are sadly mistaken. Although the snow does look soft and fluffy, the trees sure aren’t. Also, most accidents happen on hills where the snowmobile has the potential to role over on top of you. The helmet will definitely help in protecting you from the soft and fluffy thousand pound machine when it hits your head. Also, another common accident scenario is with other snowmobile riders. This happens especially with inexperienced riders who follow to closer or who put on their breaks too fast when they are in a caravan. This causes other machines to hit yours and vice versa. As you can guess, helmets protect you in this scenario too.
The bottom line is to wear your snowmobile helmets EVERY time you ride. This is the only smart way to ride.