Deadly snowmobile crashes and calls for help are causing authorities to take action in Wexford County. They're warning the community of the dangers before heading to the trails.
Deadly snowmobile crashes and calls for help are causing authorities to take action in Wexford County. They're warning the community of the dangers before heading to the trails.
For these snowmobilers it's not their first time on the trails, but today they're not taking any chances."I bring my cell phone everywhere I go, jumper cables, tow straps, helmet," said snowmobiler Leonard Svanberg. And he may need that equipment in case something goes wrong. If you're not prepared snowmobiling can get risky, just ask Deputy Swanson, he's been patrolling the trails in Wexford County.
"Lately we've had a few personal injury crashes and just had a fatal injury crash where the person ended up passing away," said Swanson.
Deputy Swanson says speed is a major factor in most of the crashes but snowmobiling on the ice can pose an even greater threat. "It's really dangerous you have little control and you run the risk of submerging your snowmobile," said Swanson.
He says several calls have been coming in for help. Over the weekend two calls in the same eight hour period of snowmobilers getting stuck in the ice. No one was hurt in those cases, but he says it could have been much worse.
"On the trail or on the ice if it's difficult for you to get there it's going to be difficult for crews to get there in an emergency," said Swanson.
That's why he says let someone know where you are and always carry extra safety equipment. "it helps to have some picks tied to your coat so you can get out of the hole," said Swanson. And it could help you get out of an emergency just in time.
