WI snowmobiling

[Realtree]

Snowmobile season begins as many counties open trails

New 55-mile-per-hour nighttime speed limit in place statewide

MADISON -- With Wisconsin receiving some of the best early snowfalls that it has in years, especially in the southern portion of the state, many snowmobilers are tuning up their sleds and preparing to hit the trails.

An exhilarating fast ride and the camaraderie of friends make snowmobiling one of the most popular winter activities when conditions are right. But snowmobiling can also be a risky activity, especially if drivers overextend their abilities, travel on unsafe surfaces, or mix speed and alcohol on their rides, cautions Gary Eddy, snowmobile safety administrator for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

Wisconsin has already experienced four snowmobile-related fatalities this winter, Eddy says. Three of those involved snowmobiles breaking through thin ice resulting in drownings, and one as a result of a collision with trees in which alcohol is suspected to be a factor.

“Every one of the fatalities could have been prevented,” said Eddy says. “We constantly stress that there is no such thing as safe ice, especially early in the season, and that snowmobilers need to be very sure of ice conditions before heading out on frozen lakes. Rivers are especially treacherous as the moving water under the ice can result in very thin ice just feet away from where the ice may be much thicker.”

With many counties across Wisconsin now officially opening their trails, Eddy is also reminding snowmobilers of a new statewide 55 mile-per-hour nighttime speed limit. The DNR has been airing public service announcement on special cable television markets to remind people of the new law.

There were a total of 26 snowmobile-related fatalities last winter. In general, Eddy says, the highest percentage of snowmobile accidents and fatalities each year involve speed and alcohol.

“Safe snowmobiling means driving at prudent speeds and waiting until after your done riding to drink alcohol.” he says.

There are also a number of safety suggestions that Eddy says snowmobilers should take to heart to make their sport more fun and safe:

Read the snowmobile regulations pamphlet (pdf). Many of the answers to the questions snowmobile operators ask are contained within the pamphlet. Following the regulations makes you a safer and responsible rider. Visit the DNR website to make sure you have the most recent copy.

Stay on the marked trails. Snowmobile clubs work hard to secure permission for trails on private property. Cutting corners or going off trail, upsets landowners and closes trails. Don’t ruin the experience for others.

Stay to the right hand side of the trail, especially on hills and corners. Taking the middle of the trail on hills or corners is highly unsafe, irresponsible and illegal.

Make sure your snowmobile is maintained mechanically. Important parts such as carbides, wear bars, tracks, belt and plugs can all leave you stranded on the trail if not maintained or cause you to ride unsafely. Also, make sure your highlight is properly adjusted.

When crossing roadways, take your time and always yield to traffic. Stand-up on your snowmobile for the highest level of visibility. When traveling in a group, each snowmobiler needs to come to a complete stop and look both ways for traffic. NEVER rely on another person to direct you across a road. Take your own safety into your own hands. One mistake or mixed up hand signal by another person, may cost you your life.

Have a great time and enjoy all the beautiful miles of trails in Wisconsin. Slow your speeds down and don’t drink and ride. Ride responsibly so that you can come home safe and ride another day.
Snowmobile registration, non-resident trail passes and age requirements
All snowmobiles operated in Wisconsin must be registered. Residents have two choices for registration: public registration for operating on public trails, and private registration for operating on private property owned or leased by the operator. Nonresidents may register their snowmobile in Wisconsin or they may operate their snowmobile in Wisconsin under their state’s registration but they must purchase and display a nonresident trail pass. Details on fees and other registration requirements and restrictions can be found on the snowmobiling education pages of the DNR Web site.

Any person who is at least 12 years old AND who is born on or after Jan. 1, 1985 is required to possess a valid Snowmobile Safety Certificate in order to operate a snowmobile on public trails, lands or frozen waters in Wisconsin. The operator must carry the certificate while riding and must display it to a law enforcement officer when requested.

Anyone under age 12 must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or person 18 years old or older on the same snowmobile when operating on public areas. No certificate or adult accompaniment is required for persons operating on lands owned or leased by the operator’s parent or guardian.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Gary Eddy – - (608) 267-7455