Snowmobile safety is a top priority as winter nears

The number of fatal snowmobile accidents was up significantly last winter. Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks trails program specialist Ray Paige urges snowmobile riders to be extra cautious this year.

"Last year was a tragic time for the snowmobile-riding community with the loss of 13 riders," Paige said. "These tragedies, which occurred for a variety of reasons, have made everyone stop and think more carefully about snowmobile safety."

Nine of the fatalities occurred as the result of avalanches.

"Recently the Montana Snowmobile Association adopted a position of zero tolerance for...