Snowmobile Safety Reminders

December 28, 2007
Contact: Lt. Dan Bolch Phone: (608) 284-6155 FAX: (608) 284-6043
Sheriff's Office

The Dane County Sheriff’s Office is urging snowmobile riders to use caution and ride safely. Marine and Trail Enforcement Deputies have investigated three snowmobile crashes involving injuries this weekend. Last night in the Town of Oregon a 45 year old woman from Oregon received minor injuries when she fell off a snowmobile as a passenger. Also last night in the Town of Rutland a 19 year old man from Brooklyn received serious, but non-life threatening, injuries when he crashed into another snowmobile. Today in the Town of Dunn a 45 year old woman from Madison received serious, but non-life threatening, injuries when she lost control of her snowmobile. Speed was a factor in all three crashes. Alcohol was not a factor in the crashes. All three riders were wearing helmets. The crashes remain under investigation at this time. Safety Reminders: Ø Always ride at a safe and responsible speed. There is a 55 mph speed limit during the hours of darkness ( ½ hour after sunset to ½ hour before sunrise). Ø Do not use alcohol or other drugs when you ride. The prohibited blood alcohol concentration in Wisconsin is .08 or greater. Ø Always maintain a safe distance between riders. Ø Always wear a helmet, eye protection, and other protective clothing. Ø Stay on trails designated for snowmobiles. Ø Obey the laws.