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(Executive Director, continued from page 6)
The Satellite part of STEP continues to function well
and grow. This season there are 12 counties participating
in the program covering 89 clubs. In
those 12 counties are 186 Safe Trail Advisors.
Signing
Trail signing continues as a source of agony for
many as finding the most logical and sensible guidance
for signing trails is discussed. Probably the
heart of the debate is recognizing that a snowmobile
trail is not an engineered environment and signing
trails according
to
the Manual
NYSSA Online Magazine
Insurance Responsibilities
It can never be overstated that clubs need to report accidents
on their trails to our insurance agency. Last year
each club was mailed an insurance booklet. Butch Franklin,
our insurance agent, reported that 30% of them were returned
as undeliverable.
Any club that needs an insurance booklet needs to contact
their district director or the Executive Director. Each district
director was emailed a copy that can be made available to
clubs.
Any accident on any or your trails needs to be reported.
of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) should be avoided, while at the
same time recognizing that snowmobile trail signs are similar to highway signs
in configuration and message.
While the intent of administrative guidance is to do exactly that – administer -
and at the same time achieve consistency, the net effect is to place greater responsibility
for safe snowmobiling on the backs of clubs. Administrative guidance
in trail signing is necessary. It is often cited that signing should be based
on common sense, which is a great approach. But does everyone share the
same perspective on what common sense would mean? Likely not, which is
why administrative guidance is necessary.
The initial signing book of the 1990‘s contained 9 different Regulatory signs, 20
different Warning signs, and 4 different informational signs. The 2005 signing
book contains 6 different Regulatory signs, 12 different Warning signs, and 6
different informational signs.
It was recently announced by VAST in Vermont that they will no longer be using
Bump or Dip signs, the Winding Trail sign, the Keep Right sign and the Left and
Right Hairpin Turn signs. The basis for these changes is elevating the importance
of Reasonable and Prudent Operation of a snowmobile on its trails.
VAST‘s goal is greater consistency by simplifying the signing guidance.
For example, a common sign is the Winding Trail. It will no longer be used in
Vermont as all trails in their System are winding and that all snowmobilers are
to operate in a reasonable and prudent manner.
Signage in the Canadian province of Ontario is often cited in discussions around trail signage. In looking at their information,
it appears that Ontario uses 13 different signs. Of those 13 signs is a speed limit sign, Trail Ends, Trail Closed,
Use at Own Risk sign, Trail Entry, and OFSC Prescribed Trail. Probably the sign used most often is ―Slow‖. Other signs
used are Stop, Stop Ahead, the Directional Arrow, Ice Crossing, Railroad Crossing, and Hazard markers (Object Markers).
The NYSSA Trails Committee is in the midst of discussions on trail signing recommendations to State Parks (NYS
OPRHP). Whatever those recommendations are, NYS OPRHP will make its determination to either accept or reject them
in part or in whole.
Two years ago the idea of an informational signing brochure for the snowmobiler was offered at the Forum during the
Trails Coordinator report. The idea actually took shape and an initial draft was prepared. But the reality is that until
(Continued on page 9)
Contact NYSSA: PO Box 612, Long Lake, NY 12847-0612 * EMAIL - nyssaoffice@nysnowmobiler.com January, 2010 - Page 7
TOLL FREE: (888) 624-3849 * FAX: (518) 624-2441 * www.nysnowmobiler.com