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Fatal Snowmobile Crashes on the Rise in Michigan: Here’s How to Avoid Them

Steinberg snowmobile

Flint Snowmobile Accident Heightens Safe Riding Awareness For Sled-Heads

A 51-year-old man unexpectedly collided his snowmobile with a car at a Flint intersection over the holiday season. The snowmobile driver sustained several serious internal and external injuries while crossing Woodrow Avenue and Curry Street. The accident is currently being investigated but speed is believed to be a factor in the crash, as well as the newly covered, icy roads. Police have additional concerns since snowmobiles are not allowed to be operated within the city limits, raising questions about the need to raise awareness about Michigan’s snowmobile laws and regulations this season.

Snowmobile Crash Numbers Heightened in 2017

Snowmobile crashes kept Michigan law enforcement officers busy in 2017, as the number of collisions and fatalities nearly doubled compared to previous years. Officials anticipate another deadly year based on an already growing stack of reported accidents. If you are preparing to ride this year, please take some time to review these safety requests from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

  • Keep your machine in top mechanical condition, well maintained.
  • Operate at safe and appropriate speeds for the terrain.
  • Never ride alone.
  • Stay on the designated trails.
  • Never operate on a city street or highway.
  • When approaching an approved trail intersection to cross, come to a complete stop, raise yourself off the seat and look for traffic.
  • When possible, avoid crossing frozen bodies of water or snow-covered lakes.
  • Never operate in a single file when crossing frozen bodies of water.
  • Avoid fences and low strung wires.
  • Always look for depressions in the snow.
  • Don’t be a distracted rider. Stay off of your phone and focus on operating your sled.
  • Keep headlights and taillights on at all times.
  • Check the weather conditions before you depart.
  • Wear insulated boots and protective clothing including a helmet, gloves and eye protection.
  • Don’t drink or do drugs because they impair judgment and slow reaction time.

Snowmobilers should make sure they are familiar with all of the rules and regulations for snowmobiling in Michigan, as well as the universal snowmobile trail signage the DNR developed to help keep everyone safe on the trails. Please do everything you can to protect yourself and others while snowmobiling.

Snowmobile Wreck Injury Claims Can Be Difficult To Understand

Under Michigan law, only motor vehicles are covered under the Michigan no-fault law. Snowmobiles are not motor vehicles because they don’t have “more than 2 wheels”, as required by the motor vehicle definition.

If an accident does occur and you or someone you know is injured while snowmobiling, please call us at 1-800-LEE-FREE for a FREE consultation or fill out the Free Case Evaluation Form. Our attorneys are here to fight for the rights of the injured in Michigan, and we have the experience it takes to win you the compensation you deserve.