The DNR offers snowmobile safety tips

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reports six snowmobile fatalities so far in this new year and urges all snowmobile operators to wait to drink any alcoholic beverages until they get home for the day.

This is the top safety message operators will hear from DNR conservation wardens patrolling as a theme of the upcoming Sled Safe education/enforcement weekends January 30 through February 1 and February 6 through 8.

Wardens will share snowmobile safety tips with riders and watch for operators who may be impaired or causing safety problems for themselves and others.

Here are a few more snowmobile safety tips:

Impairment of any kind – drugs or alcohol – can have tragic consequences.

Always operate within the limits of your skills, visibility and snowmobile.
Stop and look both ways before crossing a road.

All snowmobile operators are required to obey stop sign postings and stop. Be sure the path is clear of all oncoming traffic.

Avoid ice-covered waters.

Stay on marked trails.

Slow down.

Ride with others.

Visit the DNR’s Snowmobiling webpage for additional information on snowmobile safety classes, regulations, safety tips and how to register your snowmobile.

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