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Contact: Deborah Turcotte, Spokesperson
Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife
284 State Street
41 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333

Telephone: work (207) 287-6008 cell (207) 592-1164

Fax: (207) 287-6395

March 14, 2008

Increased Snowmobile Law Enforcement Efforts Continue This Weekend

Augusta – For the second consecutive weekend, the Maine Warden Service will step up its snowmobile law enforcement patrols in an effort to reduce tragic accidents on Maine’s trails.

Between March 1 and March 3, five people died in separate snowmobile-related accidents in Maine, one of the most deadly weekends on Maine’s trails. Nine people have died this season.

At the request of Gov. John Baldacci, Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Commissioner Roland “Dan” Martin and Department of Public Safety Commissioner Anne H. Jordan on March 3 announced their plans to boost enforcement efforts in the woods and on the roads and highways, and save lives.

Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap last week also offered the law enforcement services of 10 investigators from the Bureau of Motor Vehicles to assist the Maine Warden Service. These investigators were out with the wardens last weekend will join them again this weekend.

Although stormy and snowy weather played a major role in the amount of snowmobile activity last weekend, with many snowmobilers choosing not to go riding in the elements on Saturday, the increased presence on the trails was welcomed by snowmobilers, according to several wardens.

“We received numerous comments of ‘Good to see you guys out here’ from snowmobilers,” said Major Gregory Sanborn, acting colonel of the Maine Warden Service. “We’re hearing that more and more people are talking about being safe when they are out riding. That’s good. It’s important to remember that snowmobiling in Maine is supposed to be fun not tragic.”

No fatalities were recorded between March 4 and March 9, according to Maine Warden Service statistics. Nine accidents were reported: three with both property damage and personal injury; three with personal injury only; and three with property damage only.

Two people were arrested for operating under the influence during that time, including one person whose blood-alcohol content was 0.23, above the state’s legal limit of 0.08.

Also, there were four cases of reckless operation, two calls for missing or overdue snowmobilers, and 59 cases of snowmobilers driving left of center, operating to endanger, creating excessive noise with their sleds, and riding unregistered snowmobiles. The numbers are on par with other reported weekly activity during peak weeks this season.

Acting Colonel Sanborn said this Saturday’s anticipated snowfall throughout most of the state will replenish the trails with fresh powder for another good weekend of snowmobiling. But with the additional snow comes warnings, he said.

 “Snowmobilers should be aware that visibility will be limited when the snow is falling, and that the snow will be kicked up by sleds when riders are out on the trails,” Acting Colonel Sanborn said. “People should drive at a reasonable rate of speed for the conditions and give themselves time to stop.”

He said the Maine Warden Service too is advising riders to watch for thin ice and open water on the state’s lakes and ponds as a warmer sun is beginning to thaw ice, especially in coves and inlets.

Also, snowmobilers should watch for wildlife, particularly deer and moose, out on the trails.

“The moose and deer believe it is spring and they are using the trails as an easy way to travel and find food,” according to Acting Colonel Sanborn. “Do not approach these animals with your snowmobiles. They may get angry and charge.”

It is against state law to kill, injure or harass wildlife with a motorized vehicle such as a snowmobile. Persons found in violation are subject to a $1,000 fine and up to 30 days in jail.

According to IF&W Wildlife Biologist Lee Kantar, moose and deer are exhausted because of the harsh winter conditions and the high snow packs. He said getting close to the animals, or trying to move around them, could stress them more.

“If deer or moose are in the path, they need time to move away from people and look for a place to jump off the trail to gain access to the woods,” Kantar said. “I think people need to critically evaluate the situation, back off, and give the animal time to move.”