DNR reminds snowmobilers to drive safe
LA CROSSE, Wis. — The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources says there have been 14 snowmobiler deaths in the 2012-13 season so far.
The department wants to remind snowmobilers to use caution when driving to prevent more tragedies on trails across the state.
“Speed, alcohol and night-time operation are the three most common factors with our fatal accidents,” said DNR Conservation Warden and Snowmobile Safety Administrator Gary Eddy said.
In the 2011-2012 season, there were ten snowmobile fatalities.
The DNR is encouraging snowmobilers to:
-Ride with a safety mindset
–Slow down
–Ride under control
–Practice “Zero Alcohol”—that means refraining from drinking any alcohol until you’re home and done riding for the day.
–Take a safety course. Snowmobile safety certification is required of all operators at least age 12 and born on or after January 1, 1985.
The La Crosse County snowmobile trails opened at 4 p.m. on Friday, February 22. Trail groomers have reported a lot of ice under the fresh snow and caution snowmobilers to be careful.
