With the recent snowfall throughout Western New York, the 2010 snowmobile season is off to a great start. This is a popular recreation throughout Western New York and law enforcement agencies want snowmobile operators to have a fun and safe season.
The New York State Park Police and State Police are working with the local Sheriff’s Offices, Forest Rangers, Department of Environmental Conservation and snowmobile clubs to promote safe driving on the trails throughout Western New York.
During the 2008-2009 snowmobile season, there were more than 21,000 registered snowmobiles in the Western New York area. There were also a total of 55 snowmobile accidents in WNY, 47 resulted in injuries and three were fatal. According to the New York State Office of Parks and Recreation, there were 323 snowmobile accidents statewide, unsafe speed was the primary cause of 86 percent of the accidents and alcohol was identified as a factor in half of last year’s fatal accidents.
Today, New York State Park Police Major David Page made this announcement:
“The State Park Police and the State Office of Parks are committed to actions that result in a safe and enjoyable snowmobiling experience for snowmobilers, the landowners who host the snowmobile-trail system and motorists who encounter snowmobiles at road crossings and trailheads. Through enforcement actions, education and coordinated planning with other law enforcement agencies and the snowmobile community, we will make every effort to help keep snowmobiling a safe recreational activity. We will continue to prioritize the enforcement of snowmobile speed limits, and operating-while-intoxicated laws, both of which continue to be the primary factors in fatal snowmobile accidents.
"Through a joint effort, law enforcement agencies and snowmobile clubs, hope to provide safe and enjoyable trails for snowmobile enthusiasts. This will be done through education, such as safety courses and reaching out to the community and strict enforcement. Snowmobilers will see law enforcement officers on the trails, providing assistance and enforcing laws. New York State Police Major Christopher L. Cummings, Troop “A” Commander stated, 'Law enforcement agencies throughout Western New York will be committed to ensuring the safety of snowmobilers utilizing the trails this season. We will be coordinated and unified in our enforcement actions to identify persons who choose to operate a snowmobile in violation of the law.'”
The law enforcement agencies throughout Western New York would like to wish everyone a safe and enjoyable snowmobile season and also caution snowmobilers to obey the laws for everyone’s safety.
SNOWMOBILE SAFETY TIPS
• Do not operate a snowmobile under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Follow speed limit signs, the mandatory speed limit is 55 mph unless posted otherwise
• Always wear a helmet and appropriate clothing
• Snowmobiles must be properly registered and insured
• Advise family or friends where you will be sledding and when you plan on returning
• Have a survival pack or emergency supplies on hand
• Consider taking a snowmobile safety course
• Check the weather conditions
