An innovative new snowmobiling safety course is now available online for B.C. sledders at snowmobile-ed.com. The course is approved by the British Columbia Snowmobile Federation (BCSF) and is the only mobile-ready snowmobile course that features live-action video.
The course, created and designed by Kalkomey Enterprises, is available on any device, so students can access it on the web—even if the only way they have to connect to the Internet is via their smartphone. Teaching tools include videos, realistic illustrations and interactive animations that make it easier and more fun to learn how to safely operate a snowmobile. The course’s snowmobile safety video series teaches about the appropriate riding gear, riding in various conditions, loading and unloading, plus much more.
Everyone can learn more about safety
Erin Hart, president of the British Columbia Snowmobile Federation, said the group is very excited to partner with a company like Kalkomey.
"The idea for the whole course stemmed from discussion with the off-road joint advisory group, which I'm a part of," said Hart. "We were discussing safety courses and what's currently out there and it became pretty evident that no one had taken the lead on something like this—an online course the general public could get their hands on. We had history with Kalkomey and decided to look at the online courses they have in the U.S. We really liked what we saw."
Kalkomey constantly adds new footage so the courses are up to date and the videos are actually embedded in the course. Kalkomey also sends the BCSF monthly reports that include how many people have taken the course, the money they owe and the money they've made. Any money made from the course goes right back into the safety programs that BCSF runs.
"The course costs a one-time fee of about $45," said Hart. "Upon completion, the person get a print-out and a wallet card saying they successfully completed the course. It's amazing how some guys I've talked to who are experienced sledders and avalanche safety guys say they took the course and actually picked up a few points along the way. It's not only for beginners and kids entering into the sledding world. There are going to be some tips for the average sledder that has been part of the sledding world for a number of years. It's no different than driving a car—sometimes you forget the basic stuff and a little reminder is never a bad thing."
Insurance discount
About a dozen people have taken the course so far and it's only been online for about two months. The course is not mandatory in the province of B.C., but there is incentive to take it—and not only for the safety reasons. When a sledder completes the new online course, they get a 10 per cent discount on insurance for their sled.
"We really like the way the course is presented," said Hart. "The people at Kalkomey have been great partners in making it all happen. The point is we want to show the government that BCSF is leading the way in operator safety. Safety has always been a big deal for me, but now that I'm approaching 50 and my little guy who is six and a half is wanting to be on a sled, it's even more important.
"I'm always a little more aware of what's going on around me and people coming at me when I've got my lad with me. If we're able to spread the message one person at a time about safety and make a difference, we've done the right thing. It's important that BCSF is leading the way on this and it will be interesting to see where this will go in the long term."
