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Officials Stress Safety As Snowmobiling Warning Goes Into Effect

DETROIT (WWJ) -- Fresh coats of snow are leading to more snowmobiles on trails throughout the state, and AAA Michigan has issued a Snowmobiling Safety Warning because of it.

The warning reminds snowmobilers to use extra caution when hitting the trails as activities pick up throughout the month. AAA's Susan Hiltz said that it is important for riders to watch the weather and check trail conditions, dress appropriately and always ride sober.

"There's a lot of great trails throughout Michigan that are great for snowmobiling," Hiltz said. "We always want to remember to never operate on a street or a highway and stay to the right, and approach intersections really cautiously."

The next few weeks through February are typically high points in activity of snowmobiling throughout the state. Hiltz says some important things to remember are: don't ride in bad weather, ride with a partner and always ride sober.

"The safety alert runs as long as there's snow on the ground and people are snowmobiling,"Hiltz said.

By exercising more caution, Hiltz says crashes and fatalities can be prevented on roads and trails in the state.

"Dressing for safety and survival, keeping your machine in top mechanical condition and always driving safe and sober -- that's one of the key things really to remember out there," Hiltz said. "Always ride with a friend or a fellow snowmobiler in case you break down."

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