I first started at the Bemidji (Minn.) Pioneer as an intern in the summer of 1996. That would begin six years as a news reporter, sports reporter and copy editor for a small, six-day-per-week daily newspaper in northern Minnesota. I wrote a large range of stories from multiple beats, to features to sports, my favorite being the coverage of the Red Lake Reservation High School basketball team named the Warriors. Here is a collection of my stories from my time at the Pioneer.
Dec. 5, 1999
By Devlyn Brooks
Even though snowmobilers have had to wait patiently to hit the trails this season, area officials ask that riders use their head when enough snow finally falls.
Last year there were 17 snowmobile-related fatalities, according to Minnesota Department of Natural Resources statistics, but statistics also show many deaths and serious injuries can be avoided.
In almost all accidents, speed, alcohol and darkness play a part, according DNR conversation officer Lt. Victor Koosmann. If riders would leave the booze alone until they're done, follow speed limits and be cautious during night time driving, many fatalities could be avoided.
Where to ride?
In addition to the 18,000 miles-plus of trails in the state's snowmobiling grant system, Koosmann said riders can drive on their own property and other private property with permission.
In addition, snowmobiles can ride in the road ditch or the back slope of that ditch on any county state aid highway and other highways.
He added that a rider can drive on the shoulder of a road to go around an object, such as a stream, debris or culvert, and a rider can cross a road to reach the other side, but only at a 90-degree angle.
In a divided highway situation, such as U.S. Highway 71 skirting northern Bemidji and U.S. Highway 2, riders are allowed alongside the highways in the ditches but not in the median between the divided lanes.
This year, the Minnesota Department of Transportation is especially stressing this point with the danger that the Highway 2 construction from Bagley to Bemidji poses.
Even though there will be no cars traveling in the eastbound lanes from Bagley to east of Solway, there are dangerous objects in the unfinished road bed. In areas where construction has been suspended for the winter, hay bales and silt fences are often placed in medians and ditches until the final turf establishment is complete.
On the road bed itself, which is still off limits to snowmobilers, riders may run into hay bales, fencing and construction materials or equipment. There are several hundred hay bales with wooden stakes at various intervals along the Highway 2 project.
In the city of Bemidji, according to city statute, no snowmobiling is allowed in the blocks bordered by Bemidji Avenue North to Irvine Avenue North and from First Street Northwest to 10th Street Northwest. It also is prohibited from First to 10th Street and from Bemidji Avenue to the Lake Bemidji Waterfront.
Speed limits
Koosmann said the posted speed limits for all snowmobile trails is 50 mph. that speed also applies to sleds in riding along highways in ditches, except for when a road's posted limit is lower. For instance, if a road has a posted speed limit of 30 mph, that is also the speed limit for snowmobiles.
In the city, snowmobiles are limited to 15 mph, where they are allowed.
Licenses
According to state law, all Minnesota residents born after Dec. 31, 1979, must have a snowmobile safety certificate to operate a snowmobile anywhere in the state -- even on private property.
Koosmann said the only exception is people age 13 or under who can operate their sled under the supervision of a parent or guardian without a license. However, they cannot cross roads without a license.
Common sense
Koosmann added that riders could prevent many crashes by just using common sense.
For instance, he said, neve drink before or during a snowmobile ride -- always leave it until the ride is done. Drinking alcohol can impair a rider's judgement and slow their reaction time.
Also, slow down. Speed is a contributing factor in nearly all fatal snowmobiling accidents. Drivers should proceed at a pace that allows for ample reaction time.
In addition to the speed, be cautious when driving at night. According to DNR information, when driving at night at 40 mph, a rider already may be overriding their headlights. That means that by the time an obstacle comes into view, the rider doesn't have time to stop.
Snowmobiling safety tips
Be prepared -- When traveling, make sure to bring a First Aid kit, a flashlight, waterproof matches and a compass.
Stay alert -- Fatigue can reduce a driver's coordination and judgement.
Ice advice -- Avoid traveling across bodies of water when uncertain of ice thickness and strength of ice on lakes and ponds. Snow cover can act as a blanket and prevent safe ice from forming. Never travel in a single file when crossing bodies of water.
Dress for success -- Use a full-size helmet, goggles or face shield to prevent injuries from twigs, stones, ice and flying debris. Clothing should be worn in layers and should be just snug enough so that no loose ends catch in the machine.
Watch the weather -- Rapid weather changes can produce dangerous conditions.
Bring a buddy -- Never travel alone. Most snowmobile accidents result in some personal injury. The most dangerous situations occur if a person is injured and alone. When traveling alone, tell someone the destination, the planned route and return time.
Report accidents -- The operator of a snowmobile involved in an accident resulting in medical attention, hospitalization, death or damage exceeding $500 must file a written report with the DNR. If the operator is killed or is unable to file a report due to incapacitation, any peace officer investigating the accident can file the accident report within 10 business days.
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