The child and the snowmobile.

From November 1970 through March 1975, 41 children in Manitoba required hospitalization for treatment of injuries sustained in snowmobile accidents. The commonest injuries were fractures of a leg. In general, the injuries were severe, and in many instances the fractures were unusualy and uncommonly seen in children. Most often the child had been driving the snowmobile and all injuries were a result of driver error or misadventure; none was due to malfunction of the snowmobile. Recommendations to minimize the number and severity of snowmobiling injuries in children include an education program for both adults and their children, use of lightweight cowling to protect the legs, incorporation of a governor on the throttle to prevent excessive speeds, and use of a restraint for children travelling as passengers on the snowmobile. Children should always wear tight clothing when around snowmobiles.