Wisconsin Snowmobile Safety Awareness Week - Ride Smart

Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle has declared thatprocess, hand signs
January 9th thru the 15th is the official*) Protective gear, clothing, how to handle
"Snowmobile Safety Awareness Week."emergency situations, first aid on the trail
According to the State of Wisconsin records,*) Parts of the snowmobile, environmental
there are over 230,000 snowmobiles registered inimpacts, fuelling and on transporting a sled
the state and they are enjoyed by over 30,000For more information on snowmobile safety
families all over the state of Wisconsin. Wisconsinlessons, contact the Wisconsin DNR:
has always been a great state for snowmobilingHey Kids: Alcohol is dangerous on the trails
and fun, but safety is a must.Of the 25 snowmobile fatalities in the 2003 to
Every year, over 1200 volunteers help to educate2004 Wisconsin snowmobile season, 12 of the
and train over 200,000 students on snowmobilefatalities were due to excess speed and 9 of the
safety.12 consumed alcohol prior to their death. 72% of
Snowmobile safety lessons include:the total victims had some alcohol in their system.
*) How to drive a snowmobile with safe drivingMen, you're also at higher risk. 24 of the 25
practicessnowmobile fatalities were MEN. The average age
*) The importance of avoiding alcohol while on theof the victims was 35.2 years old. Lastly, most
trailaccidents occurred from 7pm to 3am on
*) Respecting the private property of landownersSaturday nights.
and staying on the snowmobile trailsThis snowmobile season, let's enjoy the fun sport
*) How to operate at safe speeds, especially atof snowmobiling and with common sense, we can
nightlive to ride another year!
*) Snowmobile regulations, trail signs, registration