The Lead Right initiative focuses on the lead riders of snowmobile groups.
Ron Yesney is the DNR’s Upper Peninsula Trails Coordinator. In a video, he says moderating speed can go a long way toward ensuring a safe riding experience.
According to Yesney, speed is a leading cause of injury and death, especially among less-experienced riders.
“We've seen numerous serious injury and fatal crashes where novice riders were trying to keep up with more experienced riders and sometimes it's the novice rider behind them that can be injured, or killed,” Yesney said.
Yesney said intoxication is another leading cause of snowmobile accidents.
At least 10 of the 19 snowmobile deaths the DNR recorded last season involved drugs or alcohol.
Michael Symonds reports for WMUK through the Report for America national service program.