Dinking and Driving don’t mix on snowmobiles

Snowmobilers who slug down too much holiday cheer before hopping on their sleds can find themselves in just as much trouble as drunk motorists. Steve Schutte is a law enforcement officer in the Iowa Department of Natural Resources’ Clear Lake office. Schutte says a large number of Iowa’s snowmobiling accidents are alcohol-related, especially in the evening hours. He says drunken snowmobilers are handled much like drunken car drivers.Schutte says snowmobiles need to be operated at a slower speed at night. He says the headlight on bright can allow the driver to stop safely or avoid an object in sight from a speed of up to 45 miles an hour.Schutte says any accidents that cause personal injury, death, or at least 200-dollars worth of property damage must be reported to local law enforcement. Snowmobilers face a fine of up to $155 for not making a report.