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Slow Down And Ride Sober – WI DNR

Category: article

 Jan 23rd, 2022 by Keith Worrall 

Modified Jan 23rd, 2022 at 9:31 AM

Slow Down And Ride Sober

Snowmobile Trails in Eagle River, snowmobile, snowmobile trail, people, outdoor fun, winter fun, winter, snow, outdoor activity, Eagle River

Slow down and ride sober this and every snowmobile season. / Photo Credit: Travel Wisconsin

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is urging snowmobilers to slow down and ride sober this and every snowmobile season.

Two snowmobile fatalities have been reported so far in 2022, following another 13 in 2021, with alcohol, excess speed, driver inexperience and operator error as the leading causes.

DNR conservation wardens and local law enforcement partners will be on patrol across the state during the upcoming Think Smart Before You Start enforcement campaign this weekend.

During last year’s effort, authorities made contact with more than 1,500 snowmobilers, issuing nearly 50 citations and over 350 warnings.

Be in the know and review Wisconsin’s snowmobile safety rules and regulations before heading out.

Think smart before you start by following these tips:

ON THE TRAILS

  • Don’t drink and ride.
  • Stay on marked trails – riding off-trail or cutting corners is trespassing.
  • Always wear your helmet and safety gear.
  • Slow down and use extra caution at night.
  • Travel with a friend, carry a cell phone and let people know where you are going and when you’ll return home.
  • Dress appropriately, carry a first aid kit and navigation tools.
  • Take a snowmobile safety course.
  • Check trail conditions using the Travel Wisconsin Snowmobile Snow Report.

For additional information on snowmobile safety classes, regulations, safety tips or to register your snowmobile, click here.

DNR VIOLATION HOTLINE

Anyone with information regarding natural resource violations, including unsafe snowmobile operation, may confidentially report by calling or texting: VIOLATION HOTLINE: 1-800-TIP-WDNR or 1-800-847-9367. The hotline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Trained staff relay the information to conservation wardens. File an online report here.

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