A long-running snowmobile race through northern British Columbia and the Yukon will go ahead as usual next month, a year after a competitor from Alaska was killed in a race-related crash.

Jeffrey Peede, 38, died on impact when his snow machine crashed into a guard rail on the Haines Highway during the Alcan 200 Road Rally on Jan. 17.

Peede's death marked the first fatality in the 40-year history of the Alcan 200, in which snowmobilers race to Dezadeash, Yukon, and back from the B.C.-Alaska border.

As a result, the race's organizers in Haines, Alaska, are introducing some safeguards for the upcoming race, slated to take place Jan. 16.

"Having an accident makes you look at, 'OK, can we increase our safety measures?' and that's something that was brought up," organizer Karen Hess told CBC News on Monday.

It was estimated that Peede's machine was travelling at 130 kilometres an hour at the time of the crash.

Blowing snow made visibility poor during the race, and Peede's machine had swerved to avoid another snowmobile that had stopped on the road.

A B.C. coroner's investigation concluded that Peede's death was accidental, and made no recommendations about preventing similar deaths.

Hess said some of the safeguards being introduced include a requirement that all racers put reflective tape on their helmets.

As well, three spotters equipped with radios will be stationed along the race course to keep an eye on the competitors. Having spotters present could speed up a response by paramedics if there is a crash, she said.

"We're trying to look at ways that we can increase safety measures [but] still keep the integrity of the race, not change it," Hess said.

Peede's death led to speculation that the Yukon government may ban the Yukon leg of the Alcan 200. But pending a final approval, the territorial government plans to issue a permit for the upcoming race.

"The Yukon government recognizes the high risk involved in these competitive events, while acknowledging the importance of the race to the local community," said Jennifer Magnuson, a spokeswoman for the Highways Department.

Magnuson said organizers have assured the department that "safety measures are being met."