There's a slight jump this season in the number of snowmobile deaths. With 12 snowmobile deaths in Wisconsin, the DNR has recorded three more than this time a year ago. Two double fatalities and a triple fatality has caused the increase says the agency's ATV and Snowmobile Administrator Gary Eddy
Last year's 12th fatality didn't take place until January 25th. The state went on to have 25 snowmobile deaths last winter, one fewer than the year before, despite the record amount of snow in many places. Likewise, Eddy says, record snowfall this past December hasn't been a major factor, noting the trails "are in condition"
The DNR official say alcohol, speed and riding at night are common elements seen in many crashes.
The latest fatal accident involved a 65-year-old man in Price County Saturday afternoon. Three snowmobilers were also killed that morning in Vilas County, after a pair of machines collided.
Eddy reminds us that any rider born on or after January 1st 1985 is required to complete a mandatory safety course for snowmobiling .
