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Officials Urge Snowmobile Safety; City Allows Snowmobiling at Lake Storey Only
All the recent snowfalls between Christmas and now have made for some pretty good opportunities to go snowmobiling, but state officials are urging you to do some things to make sure it's fun.

That's because last winter, the state recorded 39 snowmobile accidents; and of that, three people died, and 17 were injured.

Illinois Department of Natural Resources spokesperson Chris McCloud says there's a list of things people should do, and not do, when they operate a snowmobile, and one of them is pretty obvious.

"Never, ever get on a snowmobile when you've consumed alcohol," McCloud said. "There are already enough risks when you're out operating a piece of machinery, you don't need to run any more risk by impairing yourself."

McCloud says avoiding drinking when snowmobiling simply just makes sense. "It can be a safe and enjoyable sport, but it has to be done responsible," McCloud said. "We recommend if you're going to consume alcohol, do it after the ride. Don't do it before the ride."

Among the things McCloud suggests you should do: take a snowmobile safety course, get your vehicle checked out, wear protective clothing especially with sub-zero temperatures like we’ve been experiencing, and use the buddy system.

The City of Galesburg doesn't allow snowmobiling in any of its parks, with the exception of the specifically-marked trail at Lake Storey.

For more tips from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources on snowmobiling, CLICK HERE.
01 02 10 by Newsroom
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