With many people taking advantage of Presidents Day (Monday, Feb. 16) – a federal and state holiday in Michigan – to enjoy a three-day weekend and bountiful snowmobile and off-road vehicle riding conditions, the Department of Natural Resources reminds everyone to "Ride Right" and put safety first.
The DNR's Ride Right snowmobile and ORV safety campaign urges riders to operate at a safe speed, remain sober and stay on the right side of the trail.
As of Feb. 9, nine snowmobile fatalities have occurred during the 2025-26 season.
"Unfortunately, many of the fatalities we see are related to factors that could have been avoided or better managed: speed, primarily, such as taking a corner too fast, not being able to stop in time and colliding into a tree, vehicle or another rider," said Acting 2nd Lt. Mike Hearn, with the DNR Law Enforcement Division's Recreational Safety, Education and Enforcement Section.
Ride Right safety guidance also urges people to:
- Ride within the limits of your machine and your own abilities.
- Ride within the abilities of your group's least experienced rider.
- Always wear a helmet.
- Keep headlights on while riding.
- Maintain a safe distance from the rider in front of you.
- Operate with extreme caution in reduced visibility.
- Only transport passengers if the machine is manufactured to do so.
- Make a complete stop before crossing intersections and use extra caution in conditions creating reduced visibility.
- Share the trail. Some designated snowmobile trails are also open to off-road vehicles and other, nonmotorized users.
- Nonmotorized trail users and groomers have the right-of-way. If you see nonmotorized trail users or groomers coming from the opposite direction, pull over and yield.
Ice safety
If riding on or near the ice, check the ice before riding on it and watch for pressure cracks or other signs of water as you continue to ride. Just because the ice is strong in one area doesn't mean it will have the same thickness or strength in other places.
Additional ice safety tips:
- Keep ice picks in an accessible spot, such as a chest pocket.
- Don't rely on what others tell you regarding ice conditions; check the ice for yourself.
- Use a spud, auger, stick or axe to check the ice before you go on it.
Learn more at Michigan.gov/IceSafety.
Safety certification
In Michigan, all snowmobile operators ages 12 through 16 are required to obtain a Michigan-approved snowmobile safety certificate to operate without a legal guardian or to cross a highway or street.
ORV operators under age 16 riding on public or private land in Michigan must take an approved ORV education course, carry an ORV safety certificate and ride under the direct supervision of an adult.
Earn your snowmobile safety certificate, locate areas to ride or purchase a trail permit at Michigan.gov/Snowmobiling. Learn more about ORV safety certification, trail permits and places to ride at Michigan.gov/ORVInfo.
Help spread the word: download free Ride Right safety digital ads at Michigan.gov/RideRight.