It's winter and may serious Wisconsin snowmobiling accidents have already happened. Although recreational vehicles are not as fast or heavy as passenger cars, an ATV or snowmobile accident can be just as deadly as a car accident.

One Fond du Lac man was recently killed after being involved in a recreational vehicle crash on Sunday. Authorities say that the 44-year-old Fond du Lac man sustained his life-threatening injuries when he crashed head-on into a four-wheeler on the Fond du Lac River.

Authorities suspect that alcohol and speed are to blame for the accident. Law enforcement also stressed the dangerousness of driving at night.

An ATV had to be use to transport the men to an ambulance and the 44-year-old died from his injuries later at St. Agnes Hospital. The condition of the 34-year-old Fond du Lac man who was driving the four-wheeler is unknown and authorities have released very few details about this accident.

There are several things that Wisconsin residents can do to avoid being involved in a similarly serious accident including:

  • Only operate recreational vehicles during daytime hours
  • Avoid excessive speed, especially when visibility is poor
  • Wear the proper safety year every time while operating or riding on a recreational vehicle, including helmets and padded vests
  • Never drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs

Intoxicated driving is an especially serious problem during winter because some individuals believe that drinking and driving home on a snowmobile is less risky than driving a car home. Although a snowmobile is less likely to kill other car passengers, a snowmobile still poses a threat to its driver, passengers and pedestrians when its operator is intoxicated.

Source: The Reporter, "UPDATE: 1 killed, 1 injured in Fond du Lac River crash," Jan. 23, 2012