Speed on snow: The motorized sled

Abstract

The findings of a survey of 155 snowmobile injuries are presented. Fractures were the most common injury and accounted for 36 per cent of reported cases. (Table 1.) The lower extremity was involved in 46 per cent of the injuries, many of which were severe because of the lack of protection of the leg and the high speed nature of snowmobile accidents. Young men were most frequently injured but persons of any age may be affected. Safe operation of a snowmobile seems to depend on adequate understanding of the basic elements of the machine and its operation plus good judgment and self restraint on the part of the operator himself. Snowmobiles have become invaluable to wardens, law enforcement agencies, hunters, ice fishermen, trappers, and those interested in the winter forests and lakes. Rescue units and emergency crews use these machines regularly during the winter months. Persons who could not tolerate the rigors of a prolonged snowshoe hike can now enjoy the winter comfortably transported by an agile and reliable machine. It is hoped that this survey will serve to acquaint the physician of the north country with the types and relative incidence of injuries resulting from the use of the newest recreational vehicle, the snowmobile.