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It is also estimated that 110 people die annually from snowmobile-related injuries. Forty percent of the reported deaths were due to collisions with trees, wires, bridges, and other vehicles. A majority of snowmobile deaths and injuries involve the head and neck. Although most states do not have mandatory helmet laws, equipping yourself with head protection may reduce your risk of getting seriously hurt or killed.
Ways to Protect Yourself:
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Always maintain your snowmobile and keep it in excellent driving condition
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Always wear insulated boots and protective clothing including a helmet, gloves, and eye protection
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Never ride alone
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If possible, avoid crossing frozen bodies of water
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Never operate in a single file when crossing frozen bodies of water
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Always stay alert to driving conditions and obstacles, such as depressions in the snow
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Never operate on a street or highway
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Keep headlights and tail lights on at all times when operating your snowmobile
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Always check the weather conditions before you depart
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Always operate your snowmobile at safe speeds
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Never operate your snowmobile if you’re intoxicated, tired, or on medication
For more information on United Spinal Association’s Motorsafe Program visit their Web site at www.unitedspinal.org
Think before you speak. Always speak directly to the person with a disability, not to his companion, aide or sign language interpreter. Making small talk with a person who has a disability is great; just talk to her as you would with anyone else. Respect her privacy. If you ask about her disability, she may feel like you are treating her as a disability, not as a human being. (However, many people with disabilities are comfortable with children’s natural curiosity and do not mind if a child asks them questions.)
* Note: We want you to think of people who have a disability as individuals—your friends, your co-workers, your neighbors—so rather than use the amorphous group term “they” for people with disabilities, we use the pronouns “he” or “she” .
Don’t make assumptions.
People with disabilities are the best judge of what they can or cannot do. Don’t make decisions for them about participating in any activity. Depending on the situation, it could be a violation of the ADA to exclude people because of a presumption about their limitations.
With the growing number of handicap reserved spaces per parking lot, you might find it tempting to park in one. It may be easy to rationalize, “Well, there are plenty of handicapped spots. They won’t miss this one.” Avoid parking in a space reserved for people with disabilities UNLESS you have a permit, placard or handicapped parking plates. It’s the courteous thing to do—and it’s the law.
REMEMBER: Do not park in the striped access aisles next to spaces reserved for people with disabilities, even if you have a permit or plates.
Access aisles provide room for wheelchair users to transfer safely t0 and from their vehicles.
You don’t have to feel awkward when dealing with a person who has a disability. This booklet provides some basic tips for you to follow. And if you are ever unsure how to interact with a person who has a disability, just ask!
The Basics
Ask before you help
Just because someone has a disability, don’t assume she needs help. If the setting is accessible, people with disabilities can usually get around fine. Adults with disabilities want to be treated as independent people. Offer assistance only if the person appears to need it. And if she does want help, ask how before you act.
Be sensitive about physical contact
Some people with disabilities depend on their arms for balance. Grabbing them—even if your intention is to assist—could knock them off balance. Avoid patting a person on the head or touching his wheelchair, scooter or cane. People with disabilities consider their equipment part of their personal space.
The preceding is made possible by: United Spinal Association