What tool is recommended to carry for safety when riding on ice?

Carrying ice picks is recommended for safety when riding on ice because they serve a vital purpose in case of an emergency. If a snowmobiler were to fall through the ice, ice picks can be used to help the rider grip the edges of the ice and pull themselves back up to safety. The picks create a lever action, allowing the person to lift their body out of the cold water, which can be crucial in a survival situation where every second counts. Additionally, in icy conditions where snowmobiles may lose traction or become stuck, being equipped with tools like ice picks provides an extra layer of precaution.

While tools like a shovel, flotation devices, and GPS devices have their own importance, they do not specifically address the immediate threat of falling through the ice or aid in rescue if such an event occurs. A shovel may assist in clearing a path or digging out a stuck snowmobile, a flotation device is generally important for boating safety rather than snowmobiling, and a GPS device is excellent for navigation but does not contribute directly to personal safety in ice emergencies.