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It can take two or more weeks of below freezing temperatures for the ice on the lakes, streams and ponds to freeze thick enough to support a snowmobile. Sheriff Artress is urging riders to stay off the ice.

He said during a phone interview on Wednesday, Jan. 24 that the punishment for drinking and driving a snowmobile is the same as drinking and driving a motor vehicle.

Riders also must not ride on or next to railroad tracks, Artress said.

ÒThere have been instances where trains have jumped the tracks after snowmobilers have packed down the snow,Ó Artress said. ÒThey also are trespassing on railroad property if they are riding next to the tracks.Ó On Jan. 24, he listed the following in a release:

Always keep your machine in top mechanical condition; Always wear insulated boots and protective clothing, including a helmet, gloves and eye protection; Never ride alone; Avoid, when possible, crossing frozen bodies of water; Always be alert to avoid fences and low-strung wires; Never operate your snowmobiles in a single file line when crossing frozen bodies of water; Never operate your snowmobile on a street or highway; Always look for depressions in the snow.

ÒIf there is snow on the ice, thereÕs probably a hole there or there is something under the snow,Ó Sheriff Artress said.

Keep headlights and taillights on at all times; When approaching an intersection, come to a complete stop, raise off the seat and look for traffic; Always check weather conditions before you depart; Never operate your snowmobile on railroad tracks; Never operate your snowmobile while under the influence of alcohol.

ÒSnowmobilers must abide by the same regulations as drivers,Ó Artress said. ÒWe will have deputies out on patrol to make sure Kalkaska County residents stay safe this winter.

ÒBy heeding these warnings, you can stay alive.Ó