It just seems like a no-brainer.

With temperatures reaching the mid-40s this past week, the ice on rivers in our area is melting. Thus, while the ice may have been thick enough last week, it may no longer be that way, even though we've recently had colder temperatures.

The bottom line is, ice needs to be at least eight inches thick to drive a car on it, and 12 to 15 inches thick for medium trucks, according to the Department of Natural Resources.

In warm weather, even if the ice is thick enough, those driving vehicles on lakes and rivers should use caution. For example, vehicles should not be parked too close together, and should be far enough away from open water and areas where water flows underneath the ice.

Incident after incident evidences the need for following such rules. Even when law enforcement puts up warning signs, people continue to go on the ice.

Let's hope the Legislature doesn’t get to a point where it is illegal to go on the ice when the DNR says it’s unsafe.

Our frozen lakes and rivers are a great source of recreation in this area. Let's just use common sense when using them.