call ‘flow’. They don’t focus on the risks because
it detracts from the joy of driving. They feel
complete freedom from stress, work, school
or parents, and they are with their peers. They
are, in other words, experiencing ‘flow,’ where
they feel the same sense of freedom as mountain
climbers and kite skiers,” explains Mehus.
Mehus’s results also show that boys try
different driving styles to test themselves, and
in pursuit of the feeling of flow and a sense of
mastery, while girls are more cautious.
“The girls I interviewed are more afraid of
hurting themselves, or their snowmobile. This
is also because they often borrow vehicles, and
do not own the machines themselves,” tells
Mehus.
Want more police checks
Mehus divided the study participants into
three groups: those who take minimal risks,
those who sometimes take risks, and those who
always take extreme risks. The first group is
predominantly made up of girls, while the third
group contains a small number of boys.
“This is a small group. They are constantly
on the edge, violating norms and rules and
exposing themselves and others to danger. They
drive outside of the trail network, they some-
times drink and they run away from the police.
This is also a group that others stay away from.
They can be difficult to influence in a positive
way because they isolate themselves and go
where they please,” says Mehus.
Many of the young people themselves have
suggested measures, such as more police checks
in the evening and late at night to catch drivers
who drink.
“The kids told me that there is some drink-
ing and driving – they do it in the evening and
late at night,” she says.
After completing her doctorate, Mehus
designed a pocket map that she has handed
out in the young adult community. It contains
general advice that she has prepared in conjunc-
tion with her local research. The backside of the
card has a map of the trail network.
“There is a reason why there is a trail net-
work,” she said. “It has been cleared in advance
by people who know the area.”
Mehus believes in the need for better train-
ing, and focusing more on mountain safety and
avalanche experience.
“There are some basic things you need to
take with you. A new law from 2004 requires
a snowmobile certificate, where participants go
through theory classes and practical training on
the mountain, which makes them a little better
equipped to travel in the mountains,” she says.
A northern phenomenon
Mehus points out that snowmobiles mean a
lot to young people in Northern Troms and
Finnmark. There are roughly 6500 km of trails
from Lyngen and northward.
“A snowmobile for these young people is
much the same as a small boat for teens in the
southern coastal area of Southern Norway. Pre-
viously, this was a male-dominated sport, but
now it’s something you do with your family. For
example, there are parts of the Stabbur valley
where there are camps with tents and snowmo-
bile sleds, where families can go for weekends
and holidays. They drive home to work during
the week, but come up with their extended fam-
ily for the weekend. It is a lifestyle,” tells Mehus.
Snowmobiling Policy
•
Never go out on a trip
alone and in unfamiliar
areas.
•
Stick to the trail network
and the rules – they are
your safety net.
•
Wear a helmet and
well-insulated snow
mobile clothing.
•
Bring a first aid kit, rope,
tools, mobile phone,
compass or GPS, shovel,
emergency beacon, probe,
reflectors and a bivy sack
(a windproof bag you can
get into if you are cold).
•
Never drive after drinking
alcohol or if you are intox-
icated.
•
Slow down on ridges and
over snow cornices.
•
Avoid riverbeds, bad
weather, trees, rocks,
fences, night driving and
testing your limits.
•
Show consideration to
everyone you meet.
•
Tell people where you are
going and when you will
be back.
Source: Grete Mehus
21
labyrint
•
research magazine
from
u
i
t
the
arctic
university
of
norway
Minimum age for a licence is
16 years.
