DNR's I-500 snowmobile enforcement results in safer, positive experience for visitors
Michigan Department of Natural Resources sent this bulletin at 02/10/2015 02:35 PM EST|
Many visitors reported feeling safer on the trails, with more officers present. |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 10, 2015
Contact: Lt. Skip Hagy, 906-293-5131, ext. 4100 or Ed Golder, 517-284-5815
DNR’s I-500 snowmobile enforcement results in safer, positive experience for visitors
The annual I-500 Snowmobile Race in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, attracted several thousand snowmobile enthusiasts to the area Feb. 6-8 to enjoy the race and ride the nearby trails over the weekend.
Department of Natural Resources conservation officers responded to the event with enhanced patrols in the area to help ensure a safer experience for all. The COs were assisted by U.S. Border Patrol agents who joined the teams also working on snowmobiles. During the event officers put in more than 1,139 miles on area trails, made 506 contacts, gave out 52 verbal warnings, and issued 10 citations for careless operation of a snowmobile and an additional eight citations for registration, trail permit and off-road vehicle violations.
Along with the Michigan residents, officers encountered operators from Ontario, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Ohio, Illinois, Indiana and New York. Many positive comments were received in regard to the officers’ presence on the trails, with people stating they felt safer to have their families riding even during such a busy weekend.
The race itself ended early due to a heavy snowfall, which hit the area Saturday afternoon.
There were no accidents or fatalities in the area during this enhanced-enforcement effort, which began Friday afternoon and ended Sunday morning.