The weather may be difficult to drive in, but it sure is fun to play in. Snowmobilers are jumping for joy as the inches of snow turn into feet piling up across Central New York.
As the winter season gets underway, state police are urging snowmobilers to use caution.
They've issued the following tips to make sure you stay safe:
*Never Consume Alcohol or Drugs - Drinking alcohol before or during snowmobiling can impair judgment and slow reaction time. Snowmobilers who have been drinking often drive too fast. Alcohol also causes body temperature to drop at an accelerated rate, which increases the likelihood of hypothermia. Alcohol has been shown to be a contributing factor in most fatal snowmobile crashes.
*Slow Down - Speed is a contributing factor in nearly all fatal snowmobiling crashes. Drivers should proceed at a pace that will allow ample reaction time for any situation. Drive at moderate speeds, and drive defensively, especially after sunset. Use caution on curves and approaching hill crests.
*Carry a First-Aid Kit, flashlight, knife, cell phone, hand held GPS unit or compass, map and waterproof matches.
*Avoid traveling Across Bodies of Water - If you do ride across bodies of water, consider wearing a modern flotation suit and equipping yourself with ice picks or awls attached to your suit which could assist in pulling yourself from the water.
*Always wear a helmet with goggles or a face shield to prevent injuries - Helmets should be DOT or SNELL approved. Dress appropriately, wear layers of water-repellent clothing and make sure you have no loose ends that could get caught in the machine or tangle in equipment.
*Stay on Designated Trails - stay to the right side of trails, - where allowed, on the right shoulder of the road. Be alert for fences, tree stumps and stretched wire that may be concealed by snow. Do not trespass. When crossing roadways use extreme caution. Snowmobiles are often difficult for other highway users to see.
*Never Travel Alone - Most snowmobile crashes result in personal injury. The most dangerous situations occur when a person is injured and alone. If you must travel alone, tell someone your destination, planned route, and when you will return.
By law, all snowmobiles operating in the State of New York must be equipped:
· With at least one white or amber headlight visible at least 100 feet ahead in darkness.
· Have at least one red tail lamp visible at least 500 feet to the rear in darkness.
· Have a brake system that is in good mechanical condition.
· Have reflective material of a minimum area of sixteen square inches mounted on each side of the cowling.
· An adequate muffler system in good working condition.
Anyone ages 14 through 17 years old may operate a snowmobile, on lands upon which snowmobiling is allowed, without adult or other supervision if they have completed a snowmobile safety training course recognized by the State of New York.
If youth ages 14 through 17 years have not completed the training course, they may operate a snowmobile if accompanied by (within 500 feet of) a person who is at least 18 years of age. Youth ages 10 through 13 may operate a snowmobile, on lands upon which snowmobiling is allowed, if they have completed a snowmobile safety training course recognized by the State of New York and are accompanied by (within 500 feet of) a person who is at least 18 years of age. Children less than 10 years old or less than age 14 without a safety certificate may operate a snowmobile only on lands owned or leased by their parent or guardian.
A non-resident operator who is a resident of another state or country and is the holder of a valid snowmobile safety certificate issued by that state or country shall be considered the same as the holder of a New York State Safety Certificate.
For more information on snowmobile laws and regulations, contact the New York State Police at (315) 366-6032 or visit the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation website by clicking here.
