It could have been easily avoided.

Another alcohol–related snowmobiling accident in Wisconsin, killing popular 45–year–old Chicago Anchor Randy Salerno.

Authorities say Salerno was thrown into trees near Eagle River Wisconsin earlier this month.

He died instantly.

And the driver, his best child–hood friend, was under the influence of alcohol.

"Of all the accidents I have investigated, the car or oak tree always wins," said Wisconsin DNR Recreational Safety Warden Chris Wunrow.

"We've seen through the course of time that there is a problem out there," said Dave Zebro, with the Wisconsin's DNR.

Zebro says one fatality is one too many.

Neighboring Minnesota and Michigan have snowmobiling deaths every year.

But Wisconsin fatalities on the trails are the highest.

"We have people double and three times the limit of alcohol in their system and people are obviously not thinking rational at that time," Zebro said.

Twenty six people died in Wisconsin snowmobiling accidents during last year's winter season.

Half of those cases involved alcohol.

"Most of those fatalities also include speed. When you put those into combination it can be very deadly."

In Michigan, there were 26 fatalities during the 2005–2006 season – the same number as Wisconsin, but Michigan has double the amount of snowmobilers on its trails.

And in Minnesota, the numbers are much lower, with 14 fatalities.

Fifty percent involved alcohol.

So, what's the problem in Wisconsin? Why are the numbers not declining?

Authorities say the law in Minnesota and Michigan is stricter.

"Right now in Wisconsin it's just a monetary penalty," Zebro said.

A 600–dollar penalty. But it's a bigger deal in Minnesota and Michigan, with a penalty against your driver's license.

Zebro wants that law in Wisconsin.

"One of the questions that we get from snowmobile operators if they are contacted and they have had too much to drink they ask is this going to affect my driving record, and is this going to affect my insurance."

There have been 19 snowmobile fatalities in Wisconsin so far this season.

Almost all of them have involved alcohol.

And there's still a good month left in the season.

"I've seen too many, and if I don't have to go to another one, that would be great."