Ontonagon County, MI — A series of fatal incidents on the snowmobile trails of Ontonagon County this January has cast a grim shadow over a popular winter pastime, prompting urgent calls for increased patrolling and safety awareness among enthusiasts.
Authorities confirmed that four snowmobilers lost their lives this month, with three of the deceased hailing from Wisconsin and the fourth’s residency remaining unidentified. Toxicology reports are pending for at least one of the riders, as investigators work to piece together the circumstances behind these tragedies.
Charles Pantti, the Ontonagon County Undersheriff, indicated that high speeds and possibly alcohol were contributing factors in these incidents. The small sheriff’s office, which only has one officer available to patrol more than 350 miles of trails, is severely understaffed to tackle the challenge. Pantti expressed a desire to expand the team, but recruitment has been difficult. “We’d really benefit from having another full-time officer, yet it’s been hard to attract applicants to this area,” he stated.
Ron Yesney, the DNR Upper Peninsula Trails Coordinator, suggested that an influx of snowmobilers from Wisconsin, where snow has been scant, has heightened the risk on Michigan’s trails. “The trails can get quite busy, and in such crowded conditions, the probability of accidents increases,” Yesney noted.
Yesney also attributed some of the peril to the eagerness of riders, exacerbating the situation. “After a lackluster season last year due to insufficient snowfall, riders are perhaps too keen and end up riding recklessly,” he said. According to Yesney, the DNR has been actively campaigning for safer riding practices through their “Ride Right” initiative, which includes educational videos and signage to remind riders to moderate their speed.
Further concerns were raised about the latest snowmobile models, which might provide a false sense of security due to advanced suspension systems, possibly encouraging riders to travel at dangerously high speeds.
Both the DNR and sheriff’s office are emphasizing the importance of safety this season. They advocate for adherence to speed limits, sober riding, and general caution as essential steps to reducing the risk of more fatalities. They hope that with increased awareness and possibly more resources for enforcement, the beautiful trails of Ontonagon County will be remembered more for scenic winter joyrides than for preventable tragedies.