Snowmobile Safety Helps Prevent Accidents
After nine deaths in the 2009 season, the state of Maine is stressing snowmobile safety this winter. The safety campaign is asking snowmobilers to “ride right, ride smart, and ride responsibly.”
Snowmobiling is one of Maine’s favorite pastimes. With 13,000 miles of signed trails in the state, there’s an abundance of room to ride for the 100,000 registered snowmobiles. Yet despite the land reserved for riders, it’s up to snowmobilers to maintain their safety.
The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and Maine Snowmobile Association worked together to create a new Public Service Announcement (PSA) that promotes snowmobile safety. The PSA speaks of the good times snowmobile riding provides and warns of the inherent dangers. In addition to the fatalities, many more snowmobilers are injured each season.
The good news is that the Maine Warden Service patrols Maine’s trails to protect our riders. Last year, Warden’s conducted 46,000 safety inspections, issuing 850 violations, including 30 arrests for operating under the influence of alcohol. The Warden’s services help look out for those that practice safe riding.
At the Law Offices of Joe Bornstein, we see firsthand the results of risky and dangerous riding. Each year, many Mainers are seriously injured in snowmobile accidents, which is why we’d like to offer you a few snowmobile safety tips.
- Speed – While there is no speed limit on trails, it’s important to keep your machine under control. Remember to slow down when you approach other sledders, come to a curve, bridge, or rise in the trail. Sledders are judged by the standard of "reasonable and prudent speed for the existing conditions." It is illegal to operate a snowmobile in a manner which endangers another person or property.
- Drinking and Driving – Like operating any other motor vehicle, for those over the age of 21, it is illegal to ride a snowmobile with a Blood Alcohol Content over .08 percent.
- Law Enforcement – It is mandatory to stop for game wardens, foresters, rangers, and local law enforcement.
- Lights – All snowmobiles must have headlights and rear lamps. They must be on during the time period 30 minutes after sunset until 30 minutes before sunrise. It is advised to keep your headlights on at all times.
- Wildlife – Yield to all wildlife on the trails and keep your distance. The wilderness is their natural habitat and they have the right of way.
- Preparation – It is advised to carry a trail map with you at all times and tell someone where you are sledding. Dressing in layers will help keep you warm when cold and cool when hot, and it is advised to carry an emergency kit that includes a few necessary repair tools.
- Safe riding – Always wear a helmet and never ride alone. Take caution when crossing public roads or travelling over bodies of water, and never try to hurdle snow banks. You are most in control of your sled when it’s on the ground.
Safe riding is the beginning and end to an enjoyable day on a snowmobile. By taking the proper safety precautions, all of your rides can be fun, and bring you home safe and sound at the end of the day.
And the next time you’re out on the trail, “ride right, ride smart, and ride responsibly." It just may save your life.
To view the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and Maine Snowmobile Association’s Public Service Announcement please visit: www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGIFqBCepv0&feature=player_embedded
