Snowmobile Hand Signals Update Proposal

Compromise Approach To Re-Evaluating Snowmobile Hand Signals… 

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Related: Ride Like A Pro

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On social media, two sides square off in a disagreement about use of snowmobile hand signals on the trail. The pro-side endorses snowmobile hand signals as an essential part of snowmobile safety. The con-side argues that snowmobile hand signals actually contribute to unsafe riding by taking one hand off the handlebar.

Full disclosure: I’m a long-time hand signal user. Primarily because that’s what OFSC Driver Training taught me way back when. But after much consideration, I’ve come down somewhere in the middle of this debate. Like other “traditions” in our lives today, I think snowmobile hand signals need re-evaluation in light of new realities. Here’s are my thoughts…

Current Status

Legalized hand signals are at least as old as our first roads. Mobilized users include auto drivers, motorcycle operators and cyclists. On trail, snowmobilers and ATV riders have followed suit. However, snowmobile hand signals don’t appear to be legalized in Ontario’s Motorized Snow Vehicles Act (MSVA). Although they are shown in the Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO) Snowmobile Handbook. But I can’t speak to other jurisdictions. Nevertheless, several respected snowmobile organizations recommend the use of snowmobile hand signals:

• International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association (ISMA)
• American Council of Snowmobile Organizations (ACSA)
• International Association of Snowmobile Administrators (IASA)
• Canadian Council of Snowmobile Organizations (CCSO)

This endorsement and their general usage don’t necessarily make snowmobile hand signals right for today’s trail riding. And it’s worth noting that no one has updated snowmobile safety materials like Safe Riders for many years. But snowmobile hand signals remain in a strongly entrenched position. Effecting grassroots change will be an uphill battle.

Pro Snowmobile Hand Signals Rational

• Universally recognized from use in road-related activities.
• Safety basics are standardized and legally mandated where applicable.
• Many riders use them religiously and feel comfortable doing so.
• Actively promoted in existing snowmobile safety campaigns and materials.
• Provide additional warning along with existing trail signage.
• Give other riders a heads-up not otherwise available.
• Trail etiquette expected by many riders.
• Inform riders behind of changing pace (slowing, stopping) or upcoming intersection.
• Part of driver training safety protocols for newbie riders.
• Can be used where & when appropriate.
• No hard proof that they detract from snowmobile safety.

Con Snowmobile Hand Signals Rational

• They can’t be seen at night or when riding in snow dust.
• Questionable safety when used on sharp corners, hill crests or tight trails.
• When only glimpsed briefly, they can be misinterpreted.
• Safety concern when inexperienced riders take one hand off handlebar.
• Not everyone uses them.
• Safety concern on unpredictable bumpy, irregular or rutted trail surface.
• Questionable safety at some of today’s high trail speeds.
• Riders should always have the most control of their sled possible.
• Raised hand may get colder in sub-freezing temps.
• No hard proof that they actually improve snowmobile safety.

Next Steps

First, let me emphasize the importance of a widely-backed, authorized and official re-evaluation of using snowmobile hand signals. When it comes to snowmobile safety, a standardized approach is crucial. Why? So that every snowmobiler knows what’s expected of them. And so basic safety practices are the same in every jurisdiction.

Side Note: One exception seems to be maximum speed limits. Snowmobile limits vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. Several places have reviewed and increased their maximum limit (but unfortunately not Ontario). So, speed limits have set one precedent for change.

Compromise Proposal on Snowmobile Hand Signals

My underlying premise is that each rider must always be in control of their sled. But wherever practical and safe, riders within one group should also forewarn one another of their intentions. Within this context, I think snowmobile hand signals fall into two different categories.

Cautionary Signals

The cautionary signals are most familiar and prevalent, generally coinciding with on trail signage. They are also widely-used, well-established universal hand signals for many other mobilized activities. What’s more, they are most important to warn following riders in your group of a significant change to riding pace or present direction. These cautionary signals are STOP, SLOW, RIGHT TURN & LEFT TURN. STOP for signalling an upcoming Stop sign, road crossing or trail blockage. SLOW for signalling a gradual reduction in speed. TURN signals for upcoming intersections or any other significant direction change (but not for signalling trail corners).

Unfortunately, we can’t rely on a sled’s rear brake light (or non-existent turn signals) to be visible to following riders. Nor does everyone in most groups use helmet communicators. So for now, I consider these cautionary signals necessary for a safer group ride.

Side Note: Unlike while driving an automobile, raising either the left or right arm can signal STOP. If you’re already braking, the right arm makes more sense to me (as shown in the MTO’s Snowmobile Handbook). The universally accepted signal for SLOW is flapping the left arm up & down by your side. But it’s too easily invisible is snow spray from a spinning track. In addition, without the flapping motion, following riders can confused it with a LEFT turn signal.

Courtesy Signals

The other snowmobile hand signals are courtesy add-ons developed by snowmobilers for left arm use. They are: arm raised (thumb extended) in backward motion to signal oncoming riders of more sleds behind. Arm motion overhead to signal following riders of oncoming sleds; finger countdown from each following sled. And upraised fist for last sled in line. Unlike the cautionary signals, these courtesy signals primarily communicate with other riders not in your group. As such, they are secondary to the cautionary well-being of your group. By the way, has any group leader figured out how to use the first two of these signals at the same time?

On today’s trails, these courtesy add-ons may also come with unnecessary risk. In my opinion, removing the courtesy signals from the sanctioned list wouldn’t be missed. The State of New Hampshire made this move recently – a good first step for other jurisdictions to consider implementing.

My Last Word on Snowmobile Hand Signals

Sometimes I suspect that the motives of some anti-snowmobile hand signals advocates are self-serving. Speed demons who need to keep their hands on the bars to survive. Riders just too lazy to use signals. Or who don’t follow any rules of the trail. But I also realize that many very responsible riders are in this camp. So, it’s not unreasonable for them to try to improve rider control and safety. Nor is it unreasonable to request a comprehensive review that’s long overdue.

But I’ve seen too many examples bureaucratic resistance to change. Also, it’s unlikely the powers-that-be and advocates of snowmobile safety would support abolishing snowmobile hand signals entirely. And I don’t think that’s the way to go, anyway. However, a measured approach to eliminating the three courtesy add-ons directed to other riders might get some traction.

More Courtesy Hand Signal Shortcomings

After all, these three courtesy signals require hands-off handlebars for more seconds than the cautionary ones. Also, the courtesy signals are often used regardless of how risky a group’s present trail location may be. But most of all, your group has no idea how other riders will react to your signals – how about the famous return hand wave? Or if there’s another group just behind yours when you signal last sled in line. In fact, they may give other riders a false sense of confidence. Or worse, wrong information.

Follow New Hampshire’s Lead

Besides, New Hampshire already leading the way to eliminate the courtesy signals sets the precedent. So, if the pro and con hand signal factions work together, this precedent can motivate similar changes in other jurisdictions. Yes, this compromise leaves the cautionary signals in place. But that may be the most realistic outcome possible.

As I learned from that classic Rolling Stones’ tune: “You can’t always get what you want, but if your try sometime, you might get what you need.”

 

The tips and advice in this blog are the opinions of the author, may not work in every situation and are intended only for the convenience and interest of the reader, who has the personal responsibility to confirm the validity, accuracy and relevancy of this information prior to putting it to their own use.

 

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