More snow leads to more snowmobile accidents

Almost as many snowmobile accidents have been recorded in Iowa during the first six weeks of the year as in all of 1999. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has investigated 52 snowmobile accidents since January 1st, including one fatality. Lowell Joslin, chief of the D-N-R’s law enforcement bureau, says too much speed is the common denominator. Joslin says people driving snowmobiles need to be especially mindful of fixed objects like stumps, fences and culverts. He says common sense is also key — if it’s snowing too hard to drive, the visibility probably isn’t good enough for snowmobiling either. Joslin says snowmobilers need to wear the proper clothing to be protected from the extreme cold and bitter wind chills as they’re buzzing along. He also urges the use of helmets. The D-N-R recorded 55 snowmobile accidents statewide in 1999, including three deaths. Last year, there were 84 accidents and three deaths.