[The snowmobile--only for fun? Registration of snowmobile accidents in Western Finnmark 1988-89].

Driving a snowmobile seems to be associated with a high rate of injury and serious injuries. During the winter season 1988-89, every snowmobile-related injury that had required medical care was registered prospectively in a population of 47,500. 62 persons were injured, mostly men. The majority were young people, and most injuries occurred when the snowmobiles were used for recreation, and at the weekend. 11% of the drivers appeared drunk. 26% were hospitalized. Fractures were the most frequently registered injury, and 16 persons suffered head injuries. A number of other serious injuries were also registered. The rate of injury per registered snowmobile was high compared with the rate of road traffic injuries during the same period.