The Wisconsin snowmobile season is only a week old and already three deaths have been reported in separate accidents.
Oneida County authorities said Kristine Bronken, 20, of Round Lake, Ill., became the county’s first snowmobile fatality of 2009-10 snowmobile season when the sled she was operating struck a house in the town of Three Lakes on Saturday around 1:30 p.m.
Bronken sustained head and chest trauma and was pronounced dead Saturday evening at Aspirus Wausau Hospital, according to the Oneida County Medical Examiner’s Office.
Alcohol was said to be a factor in the accident, authorities said. According to Wisconsin Department of Natural Resource Department’s preliminary findings, “the victim and a companion left a bar after consuming several alcoholic beverages and failed to follow the snowmobile route, lost control and attempted to brake for approximately 200 feet and went airborne prior to striking the residence.”
A preliminary Blood Alcohol Content of 0.213 was reported, nearly three times the legal limit. Further details were not release. The crash is being investigated by the Three Lakes Police Department, DNR and Oneida County.
Speed or alcohol were said to be involved in two other fatalities – one in the Town of Brazeau in Oconto County Dec. 18, claiming the life of a 31-year-old Wisconsin man, and the other Dec. 19 in the Town of Seneca Struck in Crawford County, killing a 41-year-old Iowa man whose sled was hit by a vehicle.
In the 2008-2009 snowmobile season, 23 deaths were reported statewide.
DNR offers the following safety tips:
Never consume alcohol or drugs before or during snowmobile operation. Drinking alcohol before or during snowmobiling can impair judgment and slow reaction time. Snowmobilers who have been drinking often drive too fast. Alcohol also causes body temperature to drop at an accelerated rate, which increases the likelihood of hypothermia. Alcohol has been shown to be a contributing factor in most fatal snowmobile accidents.
Slow down. Speed is a contributing factor in nearly all fatal snowmobiling accidents. Drivers should proceed at a pace that will allow ample reaction time for any situation. Drive at moderate speeds, and drive defensively, especially after sunset.
Carry a first-aid kit, flashlight, knife, compass, map, and waterproof matches.
Avoid traveling across bodies of water when uncertain of ice thickness or water currents. Rapidly changing weather and moving water in streams and lake inlets also affect the thickness and strength of ice on lakes and ponds. Snow cover can act as a blanket and prevents thick strong ice from forming.
Dress appropriately. Always wear a helmet with goggles or a face shield to prevent injuries from twigs and flying debris. Wear layers of water-repellent clothing and make sure you have no loose ends that might catch in the machine or tangle in equipment.
Stay on marked trails or, where allowed, on the right shoulder of the road. Be alert for fences, tree stumps and stretched wire that may be concealed by snow.
Never travel alone. Most snowmobile accidents result in personal injury. The most dangerous situations occur when a person is injured and alone. If you must travel alone, tell someone your destination, planned route, and when you will return.
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