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Snowmobile Safety Legislation Renewed |
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MADISON ……… Assembly Bill 526, which will extend a maximum speed limit of 55 miles per hour for snowmobile operation during hours of darkness, has been signed into law. According to State Representative Terry Musser (R-Melrose), who voted in support of the bill, the law is designed to improve snowmobile safety efforts and is aimed at saving the lives of snowmobilers.
The newly signed law will extend the nighttime speed limit for three more years, which had expired after last season.
Musser explained that the goal in reducing the maximum nighttime speed limit on the trails to 55 miles per hour is to reduce the number of fatalities that occur at night. These fatalities are generally due to the drivers going too fast and losing control.
Wisconsin law requires that a conservation warden or law enforcement officer be notified immediately of any snowmobile incident that results in an injury requiring medical treatment by a physician. During the 2006 – 07 snowmobile season 26 fatal investigations occurred.
Musser pointed out that there were 19 investigations which directly identified speed as a contributing factor in the death of the operator/passenger. Of the 19 speed related cases, 12 of those that died had consumed alcohol.
Wisconsin has 15,210 miles of groomed snowmobile trails which is a plus for the tourism industry. Snowmobiling is a fun sport but is dangerous when mixed with alcohol and speed.
Musser also explained that a snowmobile safety course is available and consists of an eight hours of basic instruction in the principles of snowmobile safety. The course is comprised of six hours of classroom study and an optional two hours of hands-on snowmobile operation or snowmobile ride simulation. The course schedule for each county can be found on the DNR website http://dnr.wi.gov/org/es/enforcement/safety/upcoming.htm.
The nighttime speed limit of 55 miles per hour will be in effect for the next three snowmobile seasons and is greatly supported by the Association of Wisconsin Snowmobile Clubs.
Representative Musser welcomes your views on this or any state issue and may be contacted at State Capitol - Room 11 West, Madison WI 53702, 1-888-534-0092 or
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