Warden John Sinclair drives a snowmobile on a frozen lake near a wooded shoreline.
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The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reports six snowmobile fatalities so far in this new year and urges all snowmobile operators to wait to drink any alcoholic beverages until they get home for the day.
This is the top safety message operators will hear from DNR conservation wardens patrolling as a theme of the upcoming Sled Safe education/enforcement weekends Jan. 30-Feb. 1 and Feb. 6-8, 2026.
Wardens will share snowmobile safety tips with riders and watch for operators who may be impaired or causing safety problems for themselves and others.
“I can’t stress enough how important it is for snowmobile operators to be safe, responsible and sober. Impairment of any kind can have tragic consequences,” said DNR off-highway vehicle administrator Lt. Jacob Holsclaw. “Alcohol is among the top factors in fatal crashes.”
Holsclaw urges operators to ride safely and sober for themselves, for others sharing the trails and for those waiting for their return. “Think of the people you care about, then please don’t drink and ride.”
Here are a few more snowmobile safety tips:
- Impairment of any kind – drugs or alcohol – can have tragic consequences.
- Always operate within the limits of your skills, visibility and snowmobile.
- Stop and look both ways before crossing a road. All snowmobile operators are required to obey stop sign postings and stop. Be sure the path is clear of all oncoming traffic.
- Avoid ice-covered waters.
- Stay on marked trails.
- Slow down.
- Ride with others.
