Safety tips for snowmobilers

VARYSBURG, N.Y. (WIVB) - While it is one of the safer sports, snowmobiling can still be dangerous for people who do not abide by the rules or the inexperienced. There are classes available and even experienced riders should take refreshers.

"Remember: the best ride is the one you got home from," said Wyoming County Federation Director Roger McCabe. "I would encourage adults to actually participate, even though you have been a snowmobiler for many years, you would find information as part of those courses that would reinforce that which should be intuitive but you haven't thought about."

New York State Parks are talking about revamping and updating those courses. And fort he first time this year, the DMV is allowing online registration, which should make it easier for out-of-state riders to come to New York.

"They can get on the computer, register, get a temporary certificate, it's good for 15 days so they can ride immediately. They are making their payments to the trail funds to help us maintain safe trails," explained Stephen Lewis, New York State Parks Director of Snowmobiling.

Following trail rules is also important. New York State says at least three inches of snow are needed to open the trails, but Larry Daley from the Marilla Snow Mob told News 4 that if its powder, you need six- to 10-inches of snow for a good base.

"Law says that 55 is the maximum speed, but the real key here is reasonable and prudent. These are not engineered highways, it will never be an engineered highway because the conditions change so quickly," said McCabe.

Open trails can be found on the club websites. Many of the trails are on private property and if rules are not respected they will be closed off, ruining it for other riders.

Daley also said that if it's a freshly groomed trail to take it easy or a single rider can ruin hours of work.