Wisconsin snowmobilers face nighttime speed limit next winter

Snowmobilers would face a 55mph speed limit

Source: Associated Press

3/10/2006

Lawmakers in Madison, Wis approved legislation Thursday March 9, 2006 that enforces a 55mph speed limit at night next winter as the state faces an all-time record for snowmobile deaths.

According to the Department of Natural Resources, 32 snowmobilers have been killed this season in Wis. Three-fourths of those deaths happened at night and both darkness and excessive speed were factors in just more than half.

The Senate voted 31-2 in approval. The bill now goes to the governor for review. Current Wis. law places no speed limits on snowmobilers unless they are driving alongside a roadway.

Over the winter of 2000-01 following the record deaths the season before, Wis. implemented a temporary nighttime speed limit. The number of deaths dropped to 26, while the number of arrests for operating while intoxicated more than doubled to 93.