Promoting quiet recreation in Wisconsin.
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Thursday, March 22, 2007

"Snowmobile deaths drop sharply"

This is good news. Snowmobile deaths dropped considerably this year from the last two years, more in line with previous years. The byline reads "reduced speed limit, weather cited in drop"

Lets hope reduced speed was a factor. But lets remember that the snowmobile season didn't really start till late in the year. Here are the desultory facts from the DNR:
http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/es/enforcement/safety/snowstats.htm

In 2006/2007 season, the first death didn't occur until December 29th. The last death occured on March 8th.

The year before, in 2005/2006, the first 6 deaths had already happened by the date of the first death in 2006. And the last three deaths occured after March 8th. So it would be safe to assume that if we accounted for the length of the season, this year was not much safer a year for snowmobiling than the year before.

Of course I am using "seat of the pants" methodology (just like those who suggest speed has actually been reduced). But lets give the idea the benefit of the doubt, and say that the DNR's campaign was part of the reason for a reduction in deaths.

Another bit of good news here is the response of snowmobile clubs, who are encouraging the State legislature to renew the speed limit rules. I find that very encouraging. Family snowmobilers must know they have to get the "yahooism" out of the sport.

And once again, lets thank the River Valley State Bank's "Don't Race on the Trails!" campaign

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