Snowmobile Deaths in Michigan Rise Slightly in 2007-08

The number of snowmobile-related deaths in Michigan rose slightly this past winter — the first increase in five years. A report says 22 people died from snowmobile injuries during the 2007-08 winter, compared with 20 the winter before.

The Michigan Association of Insurance Agents says the 2007-08 season was still one of the safest reported, considering the high level of snowmobile use, snow accumulation and length of the winter. More than half of the deaths were in the evening and alcohol-related. Most deaths were attributed to excessive speeding and crashing into trees or automobiles.

There are about 392,000 registered snowmobiles in Michigan.