WISCREPORT.COM (11/10/07) - Legislation aimed at saving snowmobilers’ lives has passed the Wisconsin State Senate. Assembly Bill 526 extends a maximum speed limit of 55 miles per hour for snowmobile operation during hours of darkness in order to improve snowmobile safety efforts.

When it is signed into law, it will extend the nighttime snowmobile speed limit that expired after last season for three more years.

The bill was authored by Representative Dean Kaufert (R—Neenah).

“Wisconsin’s snowmobilers, myself included, want to know they will have a safe experience out on the trails every time they start up their machine,” said Kaufert.

“By reducing the maximum nighttime speed limit on the trails to 55 miles per hour, we are hoping to drastically reduce the number of fatalities that occur at night due to people going too fast and losing control,” the legislation's author pointed out.

The legislative initiative is strongly supported by the Association of Wisconsin Snowmobile Clubs, which has been working with the DNR to address the increasing number of accidents and fatalities in our state the over the last few years.

Kaufert also applauded the efforts of Senator Jon Erpenbach and Senator Roger Breske for their support and assistance in moving the bill through the State Senate before the start of this year’s snowmobile season.

“People need to use caution when mixing alcohol and snowmobiling, be responsible and slow down at night,” said Kaufert.

“Our hope is that the nighttime speed limit will serve as a reminder to sportsmen and women that snowmobiling can be dangerous if caution isn’t exercised,” Kaufert explained.

AB 526 will now go to Governor Doyle’s desk for his consideration. If signed by the governor, the nighttime speed limit will be in effect for the next three snowmobile seasons.