ALLEGAN COUNTY—
The speed of the machines. The wind in their face. Just a couple of reasons people have a love affair with their sleds.But with love comes the responsibility of being able to control a machine, that in some cases has a top speed of 120 miles an hour.
"A 120 mph in a car is exceptional fast. A 120 mph on a sled running on snow and ice, it just becomes that much more dangerous," said Allegan County Sheriff Deputy Tim Morton.
Because it can be dangerous Morten says that's why he teaches young people snowmobile safety.
Many teens can't wait to get their permit and hit the trails with more than 390-thousand registered snowmobiles in the state. But Deputy Morton says they've got to know the rules.
"Even under the age of 12, you can't you can't cross the road even with a parent on the sled with you. You still can't drive it across the road," said Morton.
For teens, 12 to 17-years-old, they may operate a snowmobile under the direct supervision of someone 21 years of age or older. They must have a valid snowmobile safety certificate and they may not cross the highway or street without their safety certificate.
Anyone under 17 driving without their certificate will receive a citation.
