By New York State Senator Joseph A. Griffo, R-C-Rome, 53rd District
With the winter riding season fast approaching, many people throughout my district will be heading out to enjoy the many snowmobile trails that snake their way through the region.
This fun activity is a popular way for families and friends to get outside during the winter months. It also can be beneficial to many local businesses that rely on the snowmobile traffic every year.
However, it also can be dangerous if you are not careful.
There are several precautions that you can take to make sure that you and your loved ones and friends stay safe while out on the trails.
The Snowmobiler’s Guide, which is put out by the state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, suggests planning for your ride ahead of time. Things you should think about include your planned starting and ending time, the number of trail miles to be covered and where you can get food and gas.
Another important thing to do is to check the weather in the area where you plan to go riding, especially where temperatures hover near freezing and in places where large amounts of lake effect snow can pile up quickly.
Planning is key. The guide also suggests that you go through a pre-ride check list before setting off. That list, and other suggestions, include:
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Making sure your snowmobile is checked over and serviced, with fuel and fluids topped off.
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Having a riding partner(s) because there is safety in numbers.
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Packing navigation equipment such as maps and compasses.
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Telling someone responsible about your destination and when you expect to return.
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Packing a repair and recovery kit – including tools, spare parts and a tow rope – in case your machine breaks down.
- Having a survival pack with items such as a first aid kit, matches, granola bars, beef jerky and other high-energy foods and a compass and map.
There also are several snowmobile safety courses planned throughout my district and the state. These courses provide valuable information that snowmobilers should possess to make sure they and other riders are safe. To find out where and when courses are taking place, or for more information, you can visit https://www.register-ed.
I hope you have fun if you are going snowmobiling this winter, but please operate your sled responsibly. Make sure you take every precaution so that you and loved ones return home safely
