Don Johnson's Viral Polaris Snowmobile Crash Video Explained

The Story Behind Don Johnson and Polaris

In a recent viral video, actor Don Johnson was captured on film crashing a Polaris snowmobile and taking a digger into a snowbank. The video shows Don attempting some stunts and jumps on the snowmobile before losing control on a landing and careening into a snowy embankment. The video spread quickly across social media with the hashtag #imaidiot attached by Don himself.

Don Johnson's Love of Fast Vehicles

Don has long been known for his love of interesting and fast vehicles. In the hit 80s TV series Miami Vice, Don's character Sonny Crockett was famous for racing around Miami in stylish sports cars and on his yacht. It seems that even into his later years, Don still has a need for speed.

In interviews over the years, he has talked extensively about his passion for everything from motorcycles to aeroplanes. Don is an avid motorcycle rider and fan of brands like Ducati. He clearly also has an interest in recreational snowmobiles as well. Although, the Polaris ride in the viral video didn't quite go as smoothly as Don had likely hoped.

The Rise in Popularity of Snowmobiling

In recent years, snowmobiling has seen a huge boost in popularity. What was once seen as a purely utilitarian vehicle for tasks like transporting equipment through snow is now a popular winter recreational activity. Snowmobiling allows riders to access remote snow-covered wilderness areas and take in the peaceful winter scenery.

Brands like Polaris have capitalized on the growth in the sport. They have focused heavily on developing sleds that are comfortable, capable in extreme terrain, and most importantly, fun to ride. The viral video of Don Johnson seems to show him putting one of the company's sleds through its paces on some extreme jumps before losing control.

Don Johnson Joins Other Celebrity Snowmobile Crash Videos

Don isn't the first celebrity to have an embarrassing snowmobile fail video go viral. There are actually quite a few crash videos of famous people trying their hand at snowmobiling stunts and jumps.

UFC fighter Conor McGregor had a much-viewed clip where he attempted a stunt ramp jump over a moving snowmobile being driven by a friend. Unfortunately for Conor, he came up well short, hitting the moving vehicle and taking a crashing fall into the snow. Luckily he was uninjured aside from his pride.

There's also footage of Game of Thrones actor Kit Harington wiping out on a snowmobile after trying to drive up a steep embankment. So it seems celebrities trying dangerous snowmobile stunts and posting their crashes online has become a bit of a trend.

Examining Don Johnson's Viral Snowmobile Crash

Attempting Risky Jumps

The video of Don's crash shows him accelerating up a steep snow ramp and launching his sled into the air. He lands hard on the opposite slope, clearly being thrown about violently on the machine. Don manages to hang on though and continues riding.

He comes up to another large jump across a gap between snowbanks. Don hits the jump with considerable speed, once again catching some big air. It's on this landing that things go terribly wrong.

Losing Control on the Landing

When Don touches down from his big jump, the Polaris is clearly unsettled. The back end kicks out violently, sending the machine into a nasty fishtail. Don fights for control as the snowmobile violently swerves left and right across the snow.

Sadly, he is unable to regain control before the speeding Polaris heads directly for a large snowbank. Don has just enough time to bail from the machine before impact, sent flying head first into the deep snow.

An Amusing and Relatable Crash

While any crash like Don's has the potential to cause injury, fortunately this one resulted in nothing more than a bruised ego. The footage is certainly humorous to watch and very relatable for anyone that has ridden a sled.

Crashes and spills are essentially a rite of passage in high speed snowmobile riding. Don Johnson's video show that even celebrity riders can get in over their heads when attempting stunts. But that's all part of the thrill and fun of the sport.

The Appeal and Excitement of Snowmobiling

Videos like Don's crash help capture the exciting elements that make snowmobiling so appealing. Riding at high speed across snow-covered landscapes provides an incredible adrenaline rush and feelings of freedom.

Access to Remote Areas

Unlike other vehicles, snowmobiles can access remote snow-covered wilderness spots that are inaccessible for much of the year. Riders can explore forests, mountain ranges, and an endless expanse of pristine white powder.

Thrill Seeking

Snowmobiling also enables thrill seeking riders to catch big air on jumps and perform extreme stunts. Riders can test their precision control abilities through technical handling maneuvers. Or they can simply throttle up and enjoy pure speed through open areas.

Bonding with Friends

The sport also facilitates bonding between friends. Group snowmobile outings are a fun winter activity. Riders can enjoy breathtaking scenery together and swap stories and laughs around the campfire after an exciting day of riding. There's a certain camaraderie that forms around the shared experience.

Snowmobiling Safety Tips

While the thrill and excitement of snowmobiling makes for good viral crash videos, it's important to keep safety as the top priority.

Wear a Helmet and Protective Gear

A helmet and goggles can help prevent serious head injuries in a crash. Gloves, proper boots, and winter riding gear can also protect from potential injury. Don Johnson was fortunate to escape his crash without injury, but proper gear improves those outcomes.

Ride Within Your Ability Level

It's tempting when seeing others like Don Johnson catching big air to want to attempt the same dangerous tricks and jumps. But it's vital to work up slowly starting with basic riding skills and low risk terrain.

Ride Sober

Snowmobiling requires quick reflexes and decision making that alcohol can negatively impact. Always ride 100% sober rather than risking an impaired crash.

Let Someone Know Your Plans

When riding in remote areas, make sure to inform someone of where you’ll be and your expected return time. This ensures help can find you in case of a breakdown or accident.

Snowmobiling can be an absolute blast. But following key safety precautions helps ensure riders continue enjoying the sport for years to come.

FAQs

Who was the celebrity crashing the snowmobile in the viral video?

The celebrity snowmobiler crashing in the viral video was actor Don Johnson, known for roles in hit shows like Miami Vice and Nash Bridges.

What snowmobile brand was Don Johnson riding?

Don Johnson was riding a Polaris snowmobile when he lost control and crashed into a snowbank.

Why do people enjoy snowmobiling as a recreational activity?

People enjoy snowmobiling because it allows accessing remote snow-covered wilderness areas. It also enables thrill seeking through jumps and stunts. And it facilitates bonding between friends on group rides.

What safety gear should you wear snowmobiling?

It's important to wear safety gear like a helmet, goggles, gloves, winter boots, and protective riding gear. This gear protects from potential injury in a snowmobile crash.