Snowmobile safety discussed at the Armor Inn Tap Room

To say it has not been the best winter so far in Western New York for those who enjoy snowmobiling is an understatement. But this is the greater Buffalo region, and Mother Nature can pack the trails with plenty of snow at any time.

Last week was Snowmobile Safety Week and Hamburg’s Armor Inn Tap Room held an event highlighting the importance of safety in this winter recreation activity, in anticipation of when the region is hit with a winter storm.

J.C. Seneca, owner of the Armor Inn Tap Room, brought in members of the New York state troopers, Erie County Sheriff’s Department, Snowmobile Association members, Appolson’s and the state Department of Environmental Conservation to discuss various aspects of the activity last Wednesday, Jan. 18.

“We’re on a snowmobile trail,” said Seneca, noting that his restaurant has a parking lot across the street at Clark Street, Bayview and Abbott roads, along which a trail is located.

With the fact that local places like Kissing Bridge and Chestnut Ridge Park are utilized on a frequent basis, Seneca, saying that he believes it is good to promote safety with this activity, added that his staff noticed it was Snowmobile Safety Week and he credited them with quickly putting this event together.

“I want to see people drive safely, within their means or control,” he said, adding he does not like to see people “hot dog” on snowmobiles.

It starts along the path, where Seneca, a snowmobile rider himself, suggested that other riders “search, evaluate and execute” when traveling along the trails. “Think before you get on the machine,” he said.

Hal Fleischman, president of the Erie County Federation of Snowmobile Clubs, said there are a number of things riders should do to increase their level of safety. “I’ve been involved with snowmobiling in New York state and beyond,” he said. “I first rode in 1975 and I’ve been hooked ever since.”

For those just starting out, Fleischman suggested finding a snowmobile safety course, which he said all clubs in the area offer. He said that once snowmobilers get properly trained, what is most important is that, when they hit the trails, they stay on them.

He added that there are several reasons why accidents happen. “The biggest reason is people riding off the trail and are unfamiliar with the terrain,” said Fleischman, pointing out that most accidents happen off of the trail. “People like to cut corners,” he said, noting that a common rider error is trying to take a shortcut by leaving the path. “People develop their own shortcuts,” he said.

Another common theme which Fleischman said is often linked to accidents is that “people tend to ride above their ability.” According to him, this can range from driving too fast or not riding carefully enough if they are unfamiliar with the path. “It’s too easy to ride above your ability if you are not experienced,” he said.

Fleischman suggested that riders should handle the trails at a pace which is most comfortable for them. If they are new and building up a comfort level, “take your time. Be careful and never ride alone,” he said.

He also noted that “your thumb can be your worst enemy,” and warned against putting too much pressure on the throttle.

Fleischman said he hopes that there is still a good amount of snow headed for Western New York in the next two months, not only because of the recreation aspect, but also the economic impact of the snowmobile industry. “It’s a billion dollar economic impact in New York state,” he said.

Between gas, food and other variables, if a snowmobiler has not spent at least $100 a day riding, “you haven’t had a good time.”

Fleischman noted that, in the northern part of the state, there are several full-time jobs associated with snowmobiling, and that there are approximately 11,000 miles of funded trails in New York state.

“It’s a big business,” he said.

For more information and to check on the opening of specific trails, visit www.wnysnowtrails.com.