Web posted Tues. Jan.15, 2008

Wisconsin trails are once again proving more deadly this year as compared to the same time last year.  Wisconsin has experienced 10 fatal crashes so far with 5 of those occurring between Dec. 27 and Jan. 2.  

During the 2006-2007 season, 26 families lives were sadly, forever changed. Although alcohol is a factor in some of these crashes, approximately 42%, which is down slightly from the previous year, speed and inexperience played a role in the others. An astounding 73% of the fatalities were a result of speed. Add alcohol to this combination and it can be deadly.   People need to realize that there is a time and a place for speed.  Going down the trails, at night is not the time nor the place.  During the day, think of the mom or dad coming towards you with their child on with them, as you round the corner on the wrong side. Wisconsin has a vast network of trails.  Let's keep them all safe for everyone.

The following is a portion of an actual conversation that was had with an individual.  Names have been changed to protect the identity.

"We were riding with a group of 6 people. Johnny Crash wasn't keeping up at all.  We stopped and had a few cocktails and after that every time we looked back he was right there keeping up.  Guess that's all he needed to feel more confident."

Do you want to meet this guy on the trail now that he feels "more confident"? I don't. Sounds to me that he may be beginning to overdrive his abilities.  Stay safe everyone.  Someone wants you home at  night.