Report + Hand Signals Make Trails Safer

03:00 PM - February 16, 2021

Tuesday Cllub #1

Ron's report: With the snow coming we will take Monday night off and rest up for after the snow looks like we will be getting up to 20 cm . This is good news as we don’t have much cover from Bathurst to above our lodge. Reports I got were the trails were good over the weekend. Operators keep up the good work.

Message from a concerned Sledder: "Could you please post a safety message on our site and on Facebook about using proper hand signals and staying on the right side of the trail. I was up River yesterday and it’s terrible. I wasn’t two hundred feet out from the camp and met two sleds right on my side on a turn and only met two groups out of at least 40 who used hand signals, someone is going to get killed or seriously injured. Thanks"

Safety Message: Hand signals make the trail safer, BUT if you feel that you are jeopardising your own safety with the use of hand signals then by all means use your discretion to signal, BUT if you don't, Stay on your side and drive with more care.

Communication is an important part of staying safe, having fun and sharing the trails responsibly. Make sure you know and use these signals every time you go out.
RIGHT TURN
Left arm raised at shoulder height, elbow bent and forearm vertical with palm of hand flat.
LEFT TURN
Left arm extended straight out from shoulder and pointing in the direction of the turn.
SLOWING
Left arm extended out and down from the side of the body with a downward flapping motion of hand to signal warning or caution.
STOP
Arm raised from the shoulder and extended straight up over the head with palm of hand flat. In some jurisdictions, the STOP signal may be indicated using the right arm, since the left hand is used for braking. Snowmobiles should watch out for and be prepared to stop for either signal.
ONCOMING SLEDS
Left arm raised at shoulder height, elbow bent and forearm vertical, wrist bent, move arm from left to right over head, pointing to right side of trail.
SLEDS FOLLOWING
Left arm raised, elbow bent, with thumb pointing backward, in hitchhiking motion, move arm forward to backward over your shoulder.
LAST SLED IN LINE
Raise forearm from handle bar and show clenched fist at shoulder height.

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