Snowmobile Accidents

Snowmobiling can be a fun and enjoyable activity for you and your family. However, it is important to recognize that a snowmobile is a motorized vehicle and can be very dangerous and can lead to injuries and even death.

Snowmobile Injuries and Fatalities

In Wisconsin, there are specific rules regulating the registration and operation of snowmobiles. The Dpt. of Natural Resources provides guidance on safe operation of snowmobiles. Their websites indicates that between 2008 and 2009 there were a total of 176 reported injuries and 23 fatalities. For 2009/2010, there were 21 fatalities. From 2002 to 2010, Oneida County had the most total fatalities of 21 with Oconto County having 13, Waukesha having two and Milwaukee having one. A map of the 2002 to 2010 fatalities can be viewed at the Department of Natural Resources website.

Snowmobile Requirements and Rules

Any person who is 12 years old and born after 12/31/1985 is required to be possessed a valid snowmobile safety certificate in order to operate a snowmobile on public trails, land or frozen waters. All snowmobilers under the age of 18 must obtain certification in a classroom certification course. Internet certification is only available to person 16 years of age and up. Snowmobiles of any size must registered and may only be operated by child at least 12 years of age that has a snowmobile safety certificate. An exception is that a small snowmobile with an engine of 4 horsepower or less may be driven by a child of any age without of snowmobile safety certificate while operating in sanction races, derbies, exhibits or only on private property.

It is illegal to operate a snowmobile under the influence of alcohol or drugs while on public property. It is illegal to operate a snowmobile on any part of the freeway that is part of the federal system of interstate and defense highways unless the Department of Transportation has authorized the snowmobile use on that freeway. It is allowable to ride a snowmobile across the roadway having fewer than five traffic lanes. A snowmobile rider must stop and heed the right of way to all vehicles on the roadway. It is also allowable to ride on a roadway of highways to cross a bridge, culvert or railroad right of way but only after yielding the right of way to traffic. In certain situations it is allowable to operate a snowmobile next to a roadway if doing so safely and with certain restrictions.

Snowmobile Operation Around Others and at Night

When operating a snowmobile within 100 ft of a person who is not on the snowmobile or when you are riding within 100 ft of an ice fishing shanty you must operate your snowmobile under 10mph and yield the right of way. Additionally, if you are the snowmobile between the hours of 10:30 p.m. and 7 a.m. and within 150 ft of a home or dwelling you must slow to 10mph or less.

Further, it is illegal to operate in excess of 50mph during hours of darkness. Other safety regulations apply and the entire list can be found at the Department of Natural Resources website. But generally one can not operate a snowmobile at unreasonable speed, in a careless manner or on private property without the owner’s consent. You must obey all regular signs such as stop signs, speed limit signs etc… You may not operate snowmobile or allow someone to operate a snowmobile if they have not obtained the safety certificate or if they are unable to operate the snowmobile safely due to physical or mental disability or alcohol and drugs. You must stop if you are signaled by a law enforcement officer to do so and must allow inspection for violations

Snowmobile Equipment Regulations

Your snowmobile must have a white head lamp and a tail lamp that is turned on during hours of darkness or when you are riding on a highway. Your snowmobile must be equipped with at least one break operated by your hand or foot and have side marker reflectors. If your snowmobile is manufactured after July 2, 1975 you must have a muffler in working condition which will reduce the noise level below 88 decibels.

Click the link for more snowmobile safety tips from the snowmobile accident lawyers at Welcenbach Law Offices, 414-774-7330.