From staff reports

There’s finally snow on the ground in Freeborn County, and the familiar buzz of snowmobiles has been heard since the flakes finally fell last weekend.

Thursday, December 27, 2001

There’s finally snow on the ground in Freeborn County, and the familiar buzz of snowmobiles has been heard since the flakes finally fell last weekend. Unfortunately, there has been another familiar sight in recent weeks – news reports of riders who have died in accidents.

Last season in Minnesota, 28 people died in snowmobile accidents. While the vast majority of riders practice safe habits, 28 deaths is still many for one year. Snowmobilers can reduce accidents and fatalities by following a few safety rules.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources offers these snowmobiling safety tips:

– Don’t drink. Just as with automobiles, drinking and driving a snowmobile can impair judgment and slow reaction time. Alcohol also causes body temperature to drop at an accelerated rate, which increases the likelihood of hypothermia.

– Maintain a safe speed. Speed is a contributing factor in nearly all fatal snowmobiling accidents. When driving at night, a speed of only 40 miles per hour may result in &uot;over driving&uot; the reach of the headlight.

– When traveling, make sure to bring a first aid kit, a flashlight, waterproof matches and a compass.

– Stay alert. Fatigue can reduce the driver’s coordination and judgment.

– Avoid traveling across bodies of water when uncertain of ice thickness and strength of ice on lakes and ponds. Never travel in a single file when crossing bodies of water.

– Dress right. Use a full-size helmet, goggles or face shield to prevent injuries from twigs, stones, ice and flying debris. Clothing should be worn in layers and should be just snug enough so that no loose ends catch in the machine.

– Watch the weather. Rapid weather changes can produce dangerous conditions.

– Never travel alone. Most snowmobile accidents result in some personal injury. The most dangerous situations can occur if a person is injured and alone.