CHEBOYGAN CO., MI -- The Cheboygan County Sheriff is speaking out after a deadly snowmobile crash that killed a 23-year-old.

7&4 news told you about it last week.

The young man from Fenton lost control on a turn and hit a wooden driveway post.

Now, the Cheboygan County Sheriff has some tips to help prevent something like this from happening to you or someone you love.

Sheriff Dale Clarmont says it happens every year -- someone gets killed out riding their snowmobile.

He says while you may have total confidence in your riding skills, if you don't follow proper safety procedures, you can still get hurt or even die.

"I ride them all the time," said snowmobile enthusiast Kevin Solt.

Solt and his family live downstate and are up at their Indian River cabin this week.  They were out riding Cheboygan County snowmobile trails.  Solt says it's a great time to get out, give it a little speed, and enjoy the scenery. 

"It’s important to our economy, it brings a lot of money into town," said Kay Lafrinere, a Cheboygan Snowmobile rider.

Kay Lafrinere lives in Cheboygan, and she says the more people who come up and ride, the better.  Many people are up from downstate this week, feeding the economy and riding their snowmobiles, and Cheboygan County Sheriff Dale Clarmont wants to remind everyone out to be safe.

“The number one thing is do not drink and drive on a snowmobile," said Sheriff Clarmont.

"I see a lot of snowmobilers go to the bars and stuff, and I see them leave after a couple of beers," said Solt.

In fact, the Sheriff says alcohol is believed to be a factor in last week’s deadly crash.

To make sure the trails are safe, Sheriff deputies will be out patrolling.  Sheriff Clarmont says before you go out, make sure the sled is mechanically-fit for the trip.  While out riding, the trails aren't a racetrack, and the Sheriff says slow down.  He also says be respectful, and don't trespass.

“Stay on the trails, stay on the roads where you're authorized to drive, and stay off private property," said Clarmont.

And as the weather warms later this week, it's going to make the already unsuitable thin ice even thinner.

“Stay off the lakes right now, the ice is not thick enough and we need to stay off the lakes until we get a good, thick ice," said Clarmont.

“The top priority, safety, trails are smooth, they're well-marked, groomed," said Lafrinere.

And to make sure they stay safe, Sheriff says you can help.

He stresses to those who will be out on the trails to make sure you carry a cell phone.

Also, when possible, travel with others, have a travel plan, and stick to it.