ILLINOIS MAN KILLED IN SNOWMOBILING ACCIDENT
A 38-year old man from St. Charles, Illinois was killed early Saturday morning in Monroe County, Wisconsin as a result of a snowmobiling accident. According to investigators, the snomobiler missed a curve, hit a tree and was thrown from the snowmobile. He was airlifted to a hospital in LaCrosse, Wisconsin where he later died from his injuries. The accident continues to be investigated by the Monroe County Sheriff's Department and the Wisconsin Deparment of Natural Resources.
Snowmobiling is a favorite winter activity of mine, but stories like this are all too common. Should you and your family decide to brave the elements this winter and go blaze the trails on a snowmobile, keep the following tips, courtesy of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, in mind:
* Never consume alcohol or drugs before or during snowmobile operation. Drinking alcohol impairs judgment, slows reaction time and causes body temperature to drop at an accelerated rate, which increases the likelihood of hypothermia. Alcohol has been shown to be a contributing factor in most fatal snowmobile accidents.*Slow down. Speed is a contributing factor in nearly all fatal snowmobiling accidents. Drivers should proceed at a pace that will allow ample reaction time for any situation. Drive at moderate speeds, and drive defensively, especially after susnset.
* Avoid traveling across bodies of water when uncertain of ice thicknes or water currents. Rapidly changing weather and moving water in streams and lake inlets also affect the thickness and strength of ice on lakes and ponds. Snow cover can act as a blanket and prevents thick, strong ice from forming.
* Dress appropriately. Always wear a helmet with goggles or a face shield to prevent injuries from twigs and flying debris. Wear layers of water-repellent clothing and make sure you have no loose ends that might catch in the machine or tangle in equipment.
* Stay on marked trails or, where allowed, on the right shoulder of the raod. Be alert for fences, tree stumps and stretched wire that may be concealed by snow.
* Never travel alone. Most snowmobile accidents result in injury - the most dangerous situations occur when a person is injured and alone. If you must travel alone, tell someone your destination, planned route, and when you will return.
* Carry a first-aid kid, flashlight, knife, compass, map and waterproof matches.
Play it safe this winter season in all your winter activities!
If you have been injured in an accident, please contact The Law Offices of Jeffrey J. Kroll. With over 22 years' collective experience, we have the competence and knowledge to fight for what you deserve.
