Snowmobile fatalities--Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont, 2002-2003.

During the 2002-2003 winter season in northern New England, 28 deaths in three states were associated with the use of snowmobiles, more than reported during any of the previous 12 winter seasons. The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services conducted a study to characterize these fatal injuries. This report describes the results of that study, which indicated that the leading contributors to snowmobile fatalities were excessive speed, inattentive or careless operation, and inexperience. Efforts to reduce snowmobile fatalities should focus on improving safety measures, including establishing speed limits, strengthening enforcement of snowmobile operating rules, and promoting safety education.