Insurance coverage,
.08BAC announced for snowmobilers

According to Senator George D. Maziarz (R-C, North Tonawanda) New York state has reached an agreement with the New York State Snowmobile Association to secure insurance coverage for the snowmobile organizations whose members provide regular maintenance on the 9,000 mile state-designated trail system.

"New York is a haven for winter sports enthusiasts offering some of the best snowmobiling in the country," said Governor George Pataki. "By making it easier for clubs to get insurance and maintain the trails, we are creating a safer environment for this exciting and popular cold-weather sport. Friends and families can look forward to the great outdoors knowing that we are working hard to keep the state's vast network of trails in the safest condition possible."

Last year, the coverage was jeopardized and trails were temporarily closed when the insurance policies for trail groups were canceled or not renewed. The state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, the state Insurance Department, Office of General Services and Department of Environmental Conservation staff, along with the New York State Snowmobile Association and representatives from the insurance industry quickly worked out a short-term solution to provide coverage and reopen the trails for the duration of last season. Under the terms of the new agreement for the upcoming season, NYSSA will secure and administer a blanket policy through the COOL Insuring Agency Inc., funded by state trail grant monies supported by snowmobile registrations.

In addition, Governor Pataki has signed into law legislation (Senate Bill 4991-A) lowering the blood alcohol content threshold for snownmobiling from .10 to .08 percent.

"This reduction is in keeping with similar reductions to the new, tougher driving while intoxicated and boating while intoxicated standards recently established here in New York," said Senator Maziarz. "Hopefully this measure will discourage people from recklessly operating a snowmobile under the influence of alcohol."

As recently as 2001, data reported to the State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation indicated that alcohol consumption by snowmobile operators contributed to at least 10 percent of all accidents and was a factor in 55 percent of all incidents that resulted in fatalities.

This reduction will take effect November 1, 2003.