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DNR reminds snowmobilers to ride responsibly

While the opportunity to take a snowmobile out this year appears to be waning, enough time remains that officials again are advising caution and safety when riding the trails.

Three people died this weekend while snowmobiling in Wisconsin, bringing the total to 17 deaths for the season, topping the 16 fatalities in 2019, according to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

In the Upper Peninsula, a 28-year-old man was killed Tuesday in Chippewa County when his snowmobile went off the trail and struck a tree. That raised to nine the number of snowmobiling fatalities in Michigan this season, which an official said was down slightly from the same time a year ago.

February often is the deadliest month for snowmobilers, according to the Wisconsin DNR. There are now nine snowmobile fatalities so far this February in that state. Alcohol, excessive speed, driver inexperience or operator error are the leading causes of snowmobile fatalities.

Of the 16 snowmobile fatalities in 2019, 11 were on public trails and roadways, while four incidents occurred on frozen waterways.

Winter’s fluctuating temperatures, snowfalls and snowmelts have made for often-changing terrain and mixed conditions on snowmobile trails as well as rivers and lakes. The DNR cautions that no ice is 100% safe. The DNR does not monitor conditions and suggests snowmobilers contact local fishing clubs, snowmobile clubs or outfitters to inquire about the ice conditions.

With more than 200,000 registered snowmobiles hitting Wisconsin’s 25,000 miles of groomed trails each winter across the state, safety is an important part of the ride.

“Safe snowmobiling means you must operate within your specific capabilities, operating at safe following distances when riding with others and use the right speeds for the terrain, daylight or night riding,” said DNR Conservation Warden Lt. Martin Stone, administrator for the DNR’s Off-Highway Vehicle program.

Tips on snowmobiling responsibly include:

— Don’t drink and ride;

— Slow down;

— Carry a first-aid kit and dress appropriately;

— Avoid frozen rivers and lakes;

— Stay on marked trails;

— Never travel alone;

— Take a snowmobile safety course. To locate a class or take an online course, go to the Wisconsin DNR Safety Education webpage.

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