Five Important Snowmobile Safety Tips from Allstate

Indiana Riders Need to Prepare for Upcoming Season

FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich., Dec. 9 -- Before Indiana residents take their snowmobiles to the snow-covered trails this winter, Allstate Insurance Company is encouraging riders to consider these five important safety tips:

  1. Take a Snowmobile Safety Course
  --  Many local organizations and state natural resources departments offer
      snowmobile safety courses that can benefit even experienced riders.
  --  In fact, snowmobilers may be able to save money on snowmobile
      insurance if they have completed an accredited snowmobile safety
      course.

  2. Avoid Drinking and Riding
  --  The International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association (ISMA)
      estimates more than 50 percent of snowmobile-related fatalities
      involve intoxicated operators.

  3. Use a Satellite GPS Messenger
  --  Because snowmobile trails are in areas without cell phone coverage,
      snowmobilers should consider purchasing a satellite GPS messenger
      device that allows a user to contact emergency responders and friends
      with their location. These devices sell for around $100 at many large
      retailers.

  4. Use Marked Trails
  --  Be familiar with the terrain, and avoid frozen waterways because it
      can be nearly impossible to judge the depth of the ice.

  5. Dress Appropriately
  --  Riders should always wear several layers of warm clothing, a helmet
      and goggles with anti-fog and UV protection.
  --  Check the local weather forecast before heading out to the trails, and
      avoid riding in bad weather.

No matter how safe snowmobilers are on the trails, there are always unexpected hazards and unavoidable circumstances. Snowmobilers should be sure to carry adequate insurance coverage that includes physical damages, liability and medical payments.

"While snowmobiling can be a great way to get away from life's demands and explore the outdoors with family and friends, snowmobilers need to take certain steps to protect themselves and their vehicles," said Allstate Vice President Thomas F. Clarkson.

  Additional Snowmobile Facts from the ISMA:
  --  Approximately 1.65 million snowmobiles are registered in the United
      States, including 9,373 in Indiana.
  --  The average suggested retail price of a new snowmobile sold in 2009
      was $8,800.
  --  The average snowmobiler is 43 years old.
  --  Approximately 88 percent of all active snowmobilers are male.
  --  Approximately 80 percent of snowmobilers use their snowmobile for
      leisure riding, while 20 percent use their snowmobile for work, ice
      fishing or transportation.

The Allstate Corporation is the nation's largest publicly held personal lines insurer. Widely known through the "You're In Good Hands With AllstateŽ" slogan, Allstate is reinventing protection and retirement to help more than 17 million households insure what they have today and better prepare for tomorrow. Consumers access Allstate insurance products and services through Allstate agencies, independent agencies, and Allstate exclusive financial representatives in the U.S. and Canada, as well as via www.allstate.com and 1-800 AllstateŽ.