9 replies to this topic

[Skip]

Few details HERE in the Union Leader of a fatal snomobile crash yesterday afternoon.....

[nhgator]

Saw that on the news this morning,condolonces to the family.

[KillerBee04]

Skip, on Jan 18 2009, 07:31 AM, said:

Few details HERE in the Union Leader of a fatal snomobile crash yesterday afternoon.....

My heart goes out to his friends & family- we must ride fast enough to have fun but slow enough to be SAFE!! This is a balance that is hard to find, when in doubt err on the side of caution.

[pathfinder]

One of the dangers of our sport is its ability to overshadow the danger with the fun element. Did you ever see a rookie that didn't think he had it completely figured out within a half an hour of first seat time?

Condolences to the family, friends, loved ones this 37 year old left behind............. :sad:

pathfinder

[SledNH]

It seems there is one every other day: Injury or death.

This is my first season riding, and I feel more than ever that I should keep my training wheels for a few seasons yet (<30 mph except on a lake)

[Area 51]

We read way too much of this bad news. I don't know if the info is out there more, or if there is much more trouble lately. Be Carefull!!!

SledNH, on Jan 18 2009, 10:24 AM, said:

It seems there is one every other day: Injury or death.

This is my first season riding, and I feel more than ever that I should keep my training wheels for a few seasons yet (<30 mph except on a lake)

[OldViperRider]

I think it is a case of two good snowmobiling winters state wide in a row. Many more people are getting into the sport now that they have access close to home. Those of us with more experience should do everything we can to take the "newbies" under our wing and get them through their first few hundred miles safely.

One good way to drive home that you need to keep your sled under control at all times is to impress upon them to stay to the right of the trail. On corners and blind hills tell them to keep their right ski within a foot of the right edge of the groomed trail. If they can't do it they are going too fast! I do that, and it is a great game to play even by yourself. A lot safer too!

Mark

[Penelope]

WESTMORELAND – A Unity man died of head injuries after his snowmobile crashed into a tree early yesterday afternoon, said officials.

Richard R. Petrain, 37, was riding with six companions along Crusher Road Trail, about a quarter mile off Route 12, when the accident occurred. He was wearing a helmet and was the only rider on the vehicle, according to David Walsh, of New Hampshire Fish and Game. He was pronounced dead at Cheshire Medical Center in Keene.

Speed and inexperience were likely factors, Walsh said.
YOUR COMMENTS

To the family: I am very sorry for your loss. PLEASE.... retain that helmet, have it checked by an expert (at the very least store it in a closet for now)... To the public: save the editorializing for later. Do you know how many people are killed or brain damaged in low speed accidents where the helmet should have provided protection? How many more have to die of head injuries before helmet standards are revisited and revised.
- Mary E, Manchester

I saw this on WMUR last night, very little info was available then. I am so sorry for the loss. I copied the article from the Union Leader as well as the reader comment, because it is interesting she should suggest having the helmet checked out. I know that whenever a scuba diver dies while diving the equipment is also checked out for defects wonder if it should also be done with snowmobile helmets????

[SledNH]

OldViperRider, on Jan 18 2009, 01:17 PM, said:

Those of us with more experience should do everything we can to take the "newbies" under our wing and get them through their first few hundred miles safely.

I am proud to say I have someone who is breaking me in the right way. I learned all the hand signals, how to stay right, WHEN to stay right, etc. How and when to move off the trails, etc (groomer coming etc).

I have logged 98 miles so far

Edited by SledNH, 18 January 2009 - 02:09 PM.

[Bilbo]

Very sad, my condolences to his family.