The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is looking to improve safety on state trails.
The DNR will be holding Sled Safe Education and Enforcement Weekends starting January 30th through Sunday (February 1st) and again next weekend from February 6th through the 8th.
During the Sled Safe weekends, snowmobilers will be seeing increased law enforcement patrols on trails, sharing safety tips, and looking out for anyone not following the law.
This campaign comes as there have already been six fatalities on Wisconsin’s trails in 2026.
The top safety message from law enforcement and DNR conservation wardens will be urging riders to wait to drink any alcoholic beverages until they return home for the day.
To this point, DNR off-highway vehicle administrator Lieutenant Jacob Holsclaw says, “I can’t stress enough how important it is for snowmobile operators to be safe, responsible, and sober. Impairment of any kind can have tragic consequences. Alcohol is among the top factors in fatal crashes.”
At this time, 2026 is on pace to be one of the most deadly years in recent history for Wisconsin trails, as in just 30 days, we have seen over half as many fatal incidents this year compared to 11 deaths in all of 2025.
With that in mind, the DNR also asks snowmobilers to always operate within the limits of their skills, visibility, and machine, stop and look both ways before crossing roads, and to avoid ice-covered waters.
Additional safety tips and information regarding the Sled Safe weekends can be found online by visiting dnr.wisconsin.gov.
