Yellowknife (Jan 15/01) - Anyone with a valid driver's licence or a snowmobile safety course can legally operate a snowmobile in the NWT without special training.
"It's up to the dealership how much briefing they want to give customers, but we aren't required to do any," said Curtis Bullock, a sales associate at Force One.
"We run through a lot of safety and operation techniques with customers because as a dealership we have a responsibility to the community for people's safety."
If a potential rider doesn't have a licence, a one-day snowmobile safety course is the option -- offered to anyone 12-years-old or older.
The course, however, is almost exclusively offered in Yellowknife.
About eight communities in the NWT, where snowmobiles are used as much as cars and trucks, require riders to wear helmets and even fewer offer a safety course.
Slowly, steps are being taken to offer the course in the communities.
A three-day course will be offered in Yellowknife this spring, to certify instructors who will travel to the communities.
In Yellowknife the course is offered on demand and is generally taken by young teens between 12 and 15-years-old. Four courses have been held this year.
Municipal Enforcement officials say next season will bring the increase in instructors to travel and an adult-only course in Yellowknife.
"We encourage everyone to take the safety course, even if they have a driver's licence," said Doug Gillard, manager of municipal enforcement in Yellowknife.
