Rock County begins snowmobile patrols
Snowmobile trail rules
-- If you're not on the trail, you are trespassing. That includes cutting corners.
-- Snowmobiles are not allowed on the road. The few exceptions include when the trail indicates travel on a road, when the trail crosses a road and when traveling on the road is necessary to avoid an obstruction, such as using a bridge to cross a river.
-- The speed limit is 55 mph from sunset to sunrise.
-- Snowmobiles operating next to a road must obey the speed limits and signs posted on the road.
JANESVILLE — They don't have sirens.
But they've got plenty of lights and a fast sled.
On Jan. 25, the Rock County Sheriff's Office Recreational Safety Team began patrolling the county's 200-plus miles of snowmobile trails.
Snowmobile patrol is a new program for the sheriff's office. During that first weekend, the team issued more than twice as many warnings as citations, said Sgt. Ken Marquardt, recreational safety supervisor.
"We weren't out there trying to write tickets," Marquardt said.
The majority of the violations were for failing to register a snowmobile or obtain a trail pass, he said.
Many riders also weren't aware that they're not allowed to ride in the road.
The team was out again on Saturday for about eight hours and issued one citation and two warnings.
So how do you ticket somebody on a snowmobile?
The department uses a Yamaha Viking Professional Snowmobile furnished by Mike DuClos, owner of Rock River Power Sports in Jefferson. The business is donating the use of the sled.
"The snowmobile has blue lights on it, but a lot of time the riders can't see us in their mirrors," Marquardt said.
The deputy on the snowmobile tries to catch up with the rider. Or a member of the team working in a patrol car alerts the rider to stop when he or she reaches a point in the trail that's near the road.
Because of the number of fatalities on snowmobile trails, the state Department of Natural Resources has budgeted money for such safety teams, Marquardt explained.
The DNR covers "a significant portion" of the cost for the local patrol, including wages, according to a sheriff's office press release.
So far this winter, 16 people have died in snowmobiling accidents in Wisconsin. Speed and alcohol were factors in seven of those accidents. Speed was a factor in four others.
Feb 2, 2009 at 11:26 p.m.
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Same discussion, different mode of transportation. It'll never end as long as we have more than a horse and buggy.... okay, more than our own feet and that's questionable.
Feb 2, 2009 at 7:17 p.m.
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Well people if you dont break the laws you have nothing to worry about. Big Mike sounds like you have a problem with authority, believe me if someone wasn't babysitting I would hate to see where society would be probally like one of these science fiction movies where everyone is stealing and killing and just running a muck. Be glad there are laws and Big Brothers watching over us.
Feb 2, 2009 at 6:15 p.m.
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The use may be donated but wear and tear and maintenance will be billed to rock county. The same normally goes for Harley they will donate the bike or sell them extremely cheap and make it all back on the service and parts. It is never free.
Feb 2, 2009 at 4:54 p.m.
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woodchuck...they didn't buy the sled...it was donated by Rock River Power Sports.
I believe that the only costs involved will be fuel and clock time for the officer.
Feb 2, 2009 at 4:42 p.m.
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They bought a hot rod of a snowmobile. 120 horsepower. If that's not to chase people down, then what's it for? Just wait, you will see police chases resulting in fatalities.
Feb 2, 2009 at 3:57 p.m.
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don't need a room to argue, this forum is just fine.
I'm in favor of less laws not more. Pretty soon big brother will be holding your hand 24/7 making sure your every move and action are legally and morally correct based on what your government says.
Why don't all cars come with an alcohol interlock so you can't drive them drunk? Also why do cars need to go over 65MPH? They should have a device to limit speed to 65. Motorcyclists should wear helmets. Cars shouldn't run unless the seat belts are latched.
When does it stop?
Feb 2, 2009 at 2:49 p.m.
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I personally think this is an overdue action, I think there needs to be some supervision on the trails as like with the roads we use everyday. Like in everything that people due in life there are the few bad apples that give this sport a black eye as with the morons that find thrill in killing helpless wildlife, I think the presence of a police patrol is no different than that of the police and sheriffs and Dnr that patrol our waterways. There ar plenty of good people enjoying these wonderful pastimes so I believe we need to protect them from the few that wish to ruin it for everyone. I agree with spark that there is no reason for any high speed chases with the radios these vehicals have I hope the police are smart enough to just call it in and meet the offender at the nearest intersection, Good Luck and Safe Riding
Feb 2, 2009 at 2:18 p.m.
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Sweet, where do I sign up for that job??
Feb 2, 2009 at 1:52 p.m.
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whupash25-I'm simply stating that patrolling the snowmobile trails, which is what the article is about, is a good idea.
Feb 2, 2009 at 1:09 p.m.
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Woodchuck-Where does the story mention anything about high speed chases and highways? This is about trying to control a serious problem in WI. Snowmobile deaths and senseless acts do to certain irresponsible snowmobilers. With radio communications they are notifying another officer that can intercept the violator and stop them. Hens, avoiding high speed chases.
Feb 2, 2009 at 1:05 p.m.
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RonBurgandy
More nervous than a bar parking lot filled with CARS at 2:30am? Drunk snowmobilers mostly kill themselves. Drunk drivers mostly kill others.
Feb 2, 2009 at 12:24 p.m.
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OK, rexkramer, I'll get things started. I predict that now we'll see high speed chases with fatalities on snowmobile trails like we've long seen on the highways, often over trivial offenses, sometimes taking the lives of innocent bystanders. With radio communications to intercept suspects there is no need for dangerous high speed chases on the highways or on snowmobile trails. Enough of cops acting as judge, jury, and executioner!
Feb 2, 2009 at 11:03 a.m.
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Way to go RCSO! That is a lot of trail to go unsupervised. From what I've seen with snowmobiles around here, supervision is needed especially when it comes to drinking and driving them. I know that it may not mean anything, but I really hate seeing a ton of sleds sitting outside a bar very late at night. It makes me nervous.
Feb 2, 2009 at 10:39 a.m.
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It's a miracle, I've managed to actually find a story on the Gazette regarding the police that hasn't been turned into a cop bashing thread...yet, that is. C'mon all ye faithful, don't disappoint, I'm sure there's something you folks can find to complain about, you always do.
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