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| Video: Officials Deliver Message of Safety During Lewis County Snowmobile Season Kickoff Event at Edge Hotel January 10, 2020 05:45 p.m. By: Nick Altmire |
this afternoon for the annual Snowmobile Season Kickoff Event, where officials urge snowmobile enthusiasts to have fun, but to do so safely and responsibly. ""We want you to come here, we want you to enjoy our area, our businesses, our fine food, the great snow that we get, but we want you to do it safely, be respectful and look out for fellow riders," Lewis County Sheriff Michael Carpinelli said. After a deadly 2019 season, officials hope riders will heed their warnings. Speed and alcohol were the main contributing factors in many of the snowmobile crashes reported in New York State last year. There were 21 snowmobile related fatalities across the state last snowmobile season, with 7 fatalities in neighboring Herkimer County and 4 fatalities in Lewis County. Unsafe speed was a contributing factor in 16 of the 21 fatal accidents in the state, while alcohol was a contributing factor in 8 of the 21 fatal crashes. So far this season there have been two fatal accidents in the state. The Lewis County Sheriff's Office said there have been three crashes resulting in injuries this season in the county. Sheriff Carpinelli said he would like to see riders act responsibly and urge each other to obey the laws and not drive their snowmobiles after drinking too much. "We can have all the enforcement we want, but it comes down to personal responsibility and accountability," the Sheriff said. The Tug Hill region is well known for some of the best snowmobile trails in the Northeast, attracting riders from across the region. "If you are a snowmobiler that comes here, jeopardizes our trails, breaks the laws, jeopardizes the safety of other snowmobilers, we don't need you here, we don't want you here, stay on your own property," New York State Snowmobile Association Trail Coordinator Jim Rolf advised. "These trails have got to be safe for our families and everybody else out there." Riders were also reminded to respect landowners. If gates are up or trails closed, don't attempt to circumvent the barriers. Stay on the marked trails and don't drive through fields or other unauthorized areas. Another safety message was to remind riders that groomers always have the right of way. "Ride Right, Ride Safe, Ride in Control, Ride Like a Pro- not like you want to be one," was the message from Chris Skipper of the Turin Ridge Riders snowmobile club. All in all, the common theme from each speaker was to enjoy the sport and enjoy the area, just do so in a responsible and safe manner. You can see our full video with all remarks below: |
