LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Many Michiganders will take advantage of Presidents Day to enjoy a three-day weekend and bountiful snowmobile and off-road vehicle riding conditions. However, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is reminding everyone to “Ride Right” and put safety first.

The DNR’s Ride Right snowmobile and ORV safety campaign urges riders to operate at a safe speed, remain sober and stay on the right side of the trail.

MORE NEWS: On the Road Again: Gov. Whitmer Travels to Europe

“Unfortunately, many of the fatalities we see are related to factors that could have been avoided or better managed: speed, primarily, such as taking a corner too fast, not being able to stop in time and colliding into a tree, vehicle or another rider,” said Acting 2nd Lt. Mike Hearn, with the DNR Law Enforcement Division’s Recreational Safety, Education and Enforcement Section.

Safety tips apply to frozen waterways as well. If riding on or near the ice, check the ice before riding on it and watch for pressure cracks or other signs of water as you continue to ride. Just because the ice is strong in one area doesn’t mean it will have the same thickness or strength in other places.