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NYSSA Online Magazine
News from NYS OPRHP
Contributed by Stephen C. Lewis, Director of Snowmobiling
Stephen.Lewis@OPRHP.State.ny.us * 518 - 474 - 0446
Here we are in the recent phenomenon
of an unwanted but now typical January thaw;
hopefully the groomers were able to pack the
heavy, wet snow that fell last night, and keep
the ground frozen. Changes in our sport
have been occurring and mine have been
with the purpose of making things better.
Everything I do for snowmobiling in NY, I do
with an eye toward keeping my positive attitude
focused.
There are actions and attitudes that
are making it hard to sustain a positive
outlook. One of them was the constant threads
and conversations I‘ve had about those individuals,
whose actions on the trails were causing
many to be frustrated, angry and concerned for
their families‘ safety and theirs as well.
With a renewed training focus, the Law
Enforcement training known as SLEDS
(Snowmobile Law Enforcement Development
School) is providing clear, consistent and supportable education to officers each year. By telling officers
what we as snowmobilers need them to do to help make a safer trail system, we are beginning to see
positive results. Sure, there are those that will say ―there needs to be more done‖ or ―done better‖. All I
can say is -- let me know what more Law Enforcement can do.
The other part of getting safer trails is to have the Magistrates levy fines and sentences that
make it clear that it is better for riders to comply with the Laws than thumb their noses at Law Enforcement
Officers, the Courts and especially the law abiding snowmobilers. I developed, and now teach, a
NYS Court Administration certified training course for your Judges and Magistrates. The course
was designed from the snowmobilers‘ perspective to show how the trail program works and why it is so
important for the Courts to follow through with the proper disposition of tickets. It is so heartening to
see attendees now understand why they need to help get the unregistered to register, the loud pipers to
remove the cans and the Snowmobiling While Intoxicated (SWI) to refrain from riding our trails. The
course is getting results as officers are reporting that the fines are being levied and in some cases the
non-appearances are being brought back to answer for their misdoings. These are positive ways to bring
about more enjoyable snowmobiling.
Another positive action is the promotion of “ ZERO ALCOHOL -- Your smart choice”. There
has been a lot of attention from the media about alcohol use and its role in the accidents and fatalities. Is
this an issue? By supporting ZERO ALCOHOL prior to and during our rides, we send a positive message.
What many want is for everyone to be as law abiding as they are when it comes to riding
on OUR trails. Hope to meet you on the trails, at a Club meeting or at the Forum.
Contact NYSSA: PO Box 612, Long Lake, NY 12847-0612 * EMAIL - nyssaoffice@nysnowmobiler.com January, 2010 - Page 15
TOLL FREE: (888) 624-3849 * FAX: (518) 624-2441 * www.nysnowmobiler.com