Staff Writer
TRAIL SAFETY — Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Commissioner Roland “Danny” Martin talks about Brian James, a 22-year-old Presque Isle man who died in a snowmobile incident last April, during a press conference Dec. 30 at the Hall of Flags in Augusta. Martin knew James, who was a member of the Maine National Guard. Also attending the event, in back, from left: Bob Meyers, executive director of the Maine Snowmobile Association; and Col. Joel Wilkinson of the Maine Warden Service.
A new public service announcement produced by the Maine Warden Service and the Maine Snowmobile Association promoting snowmobile safety hit the airwaves just as the New Year arrived — and as the first sledding fatality of 2010 was reported Jan. 1.
The death of a Parsonsfield man and the continuing search for a South China teenager served as stark reminders of the dangers snowmobilers face each time they hit the trail.
Gov. John E. Baldacci joined members of the DIFW and MSA Dec. 30 in Augusta to promote snowmobiling in Maine and to emphasize safety and personal responsibility on the trails when out sledding.
During a press conference at the Hall of Flags, the theme “Ride Right, Ride Smart, Ride Responsibly” was accentuated in the new PSA, which features Gerry James of Presque Isle, whose 22-year-old son, Brian, was killed in a snowmobile incident on April 11, 2009, in T9 R7 WELS, about six miles west of Oxbow in Aroostook County. Brian James — a member of the Maine National Guard — his brother and friends were taking their last ride of the season when the accident occurred.
Gerry James, and his wife, Carol, attended the press conference to show support for the safety efforts of the MWS. In the PSA, Gerry stresses that tragedies can happen to any family, including his own.
“Sometimes bad things happen to good people,” Gerry states in the PSA. “My son, Brian, came home from college for one last ride. He failed to negotiate a turn and struck a tree, which killed him instantly.”
Baldacci and DIFW Commissioner Roland “Danny” Martin, who knew Brian, expressed their condolences to the James family.
“Mr. and Mrs. James wish they could talk to Brian some more about his love for sledding,” said Martin. “Instead, they are here today to tell snowmobilers to be responsible and make it back home. The Jameses asked us to help them get a message out to all snowmobilers No one should lose their life enjoying one of Maine’s most popular winter activities.”
Last year, the DIFW registered more than 99,000 snowmobiles. While the majority of sledders are safe on the trails, accidents do occur and lives are lost. A total of 97 people were injured and nine people were killed while snowmobiling during the 2008-09 season. Both numbers were down from the previous year. Figures for 2007-08 showed 98 injuries and 12 fatalities occurred.
“Maine’s wide open spaces are a major draw for snowmobilers, and the majority of its snowmobile trails are maintained by about 300 snowmobile clubs statewide,” said Deborah Turcotte, spokesperson, DIFW.
Baldacci acknowledged Maine’s status of having some of the best trails in the country.
“It’s no secret. Mainers know the state’s 14,000 miles of trails are the best in the Northeast, and thousands of people from around the country travel here to enjoy them too,” said Baldacci. “If you haven’t tried snowmobiling in Maine, you should. Maine is the place to sled.”
Col. Joel Wilkinson of the MWS sated that “game wardens will be on the trails this season to educate sledders with safe riding tips and to patrol them for law infractions.”
Wilkinson offered snowmobilers the following tips:
• Don’t drink and ride;
• Wear a helmet;
• Ride to the right on marked trails;
• Ride at a reasonable speed for conditions;
• Bring emergency provisions, including extra batteries if carrying a cell phone or flashlight; and
• Leave an itinerary with someone, including when you expect to return and what route you’re taking.
The PSA may be viewed at www.youtube.com/mefishwildlife.com — to view, select “snowmobile safety.” For more on the MSA, visit: www.mesnow.com.
SNOWMOBILE LAWS ENFORCED — Col. Joel Wilkinson, of the Maine Warden Service, outlines snowmobile law enforcement and safety efforts for the upcoming snowmobile season during a press conference Dec. 30 at the Hall of Flags in Augusta. Pictured, in back, from left: Bob Meyers, executive director of the Maine Snowmobile Association; and Gov. John E. Baldacci.
