Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle has declared that January 9th thru the 15th is the official “Snowmobile Safety Awareness Week.”

According to the State of Wisconsin records, there are over 230,000 snowmobiles registered in the state and they are enjoyed by over 30,000 families all over the state of Wisconsin. Wisconsin has always been a great state for snowmobiling and fun, but safety is a must.

Every year, over 1200 volunteers help to educate and train over 200,000 students on snowmobile safety.

Snowmobile safety lessons include:

*) How to drive a snowmobile with safe driving practices

*) The importance of avoiding alcohol while on the trail

*) Respecting the private property of landowners and staying on the snowmobile trails

*) How to operate at safe speeds, especially at night

*) Snowmobile regulations, trail signs, registration process, hand signs

*) Protective gear, clothing, how to handle emergency situations, first aid on the trail

*) Parts of the snowmobile, environmental impacts, fuelling and on transporting a sled

For more information on snowmobile safety lessons, contact the Wisconsin DNR:
http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/es/enforcement/safety/snowed.html

Hey Kids: Alcohol is dangerous on the trails

Of the 25 snowmobile fatalities in the 2003 to 2004 Wisconsin snowmobile season, 12 of the fatalities were due to excess speed and 9 of the 12 consumed alcohol prior to their death. 72% of the total victims had some alcohol in their system.

Men, you’re also at higher risk. 24 of the 25 snowmobile fatalities were MEN. The average age of the victims was 35.2 years old. Lastly, most accidents occurred from 7pm to 3am on Saturday nights.

This snowmobile season, let’s enjoy the fun sport of snowmobiling and with common sense, we can live to ride another year! :-)

About The Author:

Joe Redline has been a Wisconsin snowmobile lover since he was just a young kid growing up on the farm in Kewaunee, Wisconsin. His first sled was a Ski Doo 9500 Blizzard, but after he grew up…Yamaha became his brand of choice. He is currently dreaming of building a Hauck Powersports Turbo-enhanced Yamaha RX1. Joe recommends that you ride responsibly and check out the Association of Wisconsin Snowmobile Clubs: http://www.awsc.org

Share This