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Reminders about snowmobile safety after 2 rider fatalities already this year

Minnesota requires snowmobile certification by law for anyone born after Dec. 31, 1976.

STILLWATER, Minn. — A fresh coating of snow means an opportunity to get outside for seasonal activities like sledding, cross-country skiing or snowmobiling.

But just in the last few days, two people were killed and another was hurt in snowmobile accidents — one near Lake Francis in Isanti County and one in Zimmerman.

The sport is one that has been growing in popularity, according to Century Power Sports owner Roger Tuckner. 

"It's been a very good year for us," said Tuckner. "All of that stuff has had a resurgence in the last three years."

The shop he owns in Stillwater sold out of the machines a month ago, but Tuckner doesn't just sell them, he teaches people how to ride them, too.

"We do about 60 kids every year," said Tuckner. "It's a very popular class; it fills up every year."

According to the Department of Natural Resources, anyone at least 12 years old or born after Dec. 31, 1976, is required to take an approved safety course.

It's an exam that costs about $30 and can be completed online. The DNR says the course shows the most common causes of accidents and how to avoid becoming a statistic. If you pass the course, it comes with a certificate you have to carry to ride on public lands.

"You have to respect the power that it has because a lot of machines today have up to 200 horsepower on them," said Tuckner. "There are no seatbelts — nothing like that."

The DNR reports there were 122 accidents from 2021 to 2022, including six fatalities. Already this year, two riders have died. 

"It's about educating people," Tuckner says. "Common sense, a lot of common sense that you have to have."

There are more regulations you can read here

One thing to note is if your kids choose to get certified, there are both online and traditional courses that include classroom time, instructors and a riding performance. 

Plus, anyone under 18 must wear a helmet and snowmobiles also have to be registered or you could be fined. 

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