.A STUDY OF SELECTED FACTORS
RELATED TO SNOWMOBILE ACCIDENTS
BEFORE AND AFTER ENACTMENT OF
REGULATORY LEGISLATION IN
THE STATE OF NEW YORK

Thesis for the Degree of Ph. D.
MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY
NANCY G. HINCKLEY
1972

This is to certify that the

thesis entitled

"A Study of Selected Factors Related to Snow-

mobile Accidents Before and After Enactment of

Regulatory L931°13t1%&&e 3%? State of New Yor
Nancy G. Hinckley

kl!

has been acCepted towards fulfillment
of the requirements for

PHD nge in Education

 

V/I/L/Ma/ J/ (Ila f”/ 2’)

Major professor /

Dateo tober 19 1972

0-7639

 
   
     

‘ BIN-.DING BY
' HBAE 3. sons
. .anox swam lat

LIBRARY mamas

 

 

.‘L -

  
  
 
   
  
 
  
   
 
 
  

mien chm. a

“in; statute‘s L r. ,.

'3t0"6569i2fi5'fl

_h‘lvolvmnt :~I&"-‘1"-4 IN: I " .L in.
”in in the stifle :~L Nu. :'.'_. =-

the a"C1C§é.-’?:.* r‘l”‘.I‘-I‘.'-".: M-‘wo v
‘g il‘l which fI..".-- We 'i ,‘I'. [..;‘__\:‘:n v

1‘ fatal .rc'nw-y ‘ar'c'zr‘vyrzm V.:,1’~...v -
Militia!) the ace L9; inn-shed N._ wt "v‘t
'- 1&4 occurrences. in which :51 - wag-\- 1.11 3U»
‘11.!“ e g: >
v ‘ “GM-Its and 25 3.1151 Lnjuay nu swat-L
’N

“s conducted in law {ark we my a? that

'- b. 0‘ tho Mb.- la legts‘atu'r. {33371-1?‘ em

“55 ', ‘- —:..'

 

 

 

.'.,

In.

in.
54‘s

1
"D!

-u.

r
(1‘

H

 

ABSTRACT

A STUDY OF SELECTED FACTORS RELATED TO SNOWMOBILE
ACCIDENTS BEFORE AND AFTER ENACTMENT OF
REGULATORY LEGISLATION IN THE STATE
OF NEW YORK

BY

Nancy G. Hinckley

Statement of the Problem
The number and severity of injuries incurred
tflirough snowmobile accidents is one aspect of the snow-
mobile problem that state legislatures are considering

when passing statutes regulating snowmobiles. This study

attempted to ascertain the differences in snowmobile

accident involvement preceding and following regulatory

legislation in the state of New York. Prior to regulatory

legislation the accidents included 200 on—road and 137 off—

road occurrences, in which there were 246 nonfatal injury

accidents and 14 fatal injury accidents. Following

regulatory legislation the accidents included 281 on—road

and 406 off-road occurrences, in which there were 576 non-

fatal injury accidents and 25 fatal injury accidents.
The study was conducted in New York because of the

unusual situation of the snowmobile legislation restricting

Nancy G. Hinckley

  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
 
 
 
  
 
    
   

" qgwu-biles from travel along the highways in the 1970—1971
t

‘jwfiflflherflseason whereas in the 1969-1970 winter season travel
'_: ‘-along the highways was permitted.

,Y
Methods of Procedure

 

This study considered the selected factors related
to the operator, the vehicle, and the environment pertaining
to: The populations of 337 snowmobile accidents in the
1969-1970 winter season and 687 snowmobile accidents in the
1970-1971 winter season; the on-road sub-group of 200
Occurrences in the 1969—1970 winter season and 281
occurrences in the 1970-1971 winter season; and the off—
road sub-groups of 137 occurrences in the 1969—1970 winter
season and 406 occurrences in the 1970—1971 winter season.
'The data were collected from accident reports, computer
analyzed for distributions of specified record columns,

calculated for increase in per cent change, and tabulated.

The Major Findings

. The following facts should be considered when
‘interpreting the findings of this study based on data
provided in accident report forms: (1) the total number
of snowmobiles in the state of New York was not known; (2)
the rate or amount of exposure to snowmobile use was not
known: (3) all off-road snowmobile accidents involving

, L
. personal injury and/or property damage in excess of

:9 Nancy G. Hinckley

    
   
  
  

?t~l970; and finally (4) in the 1969-1970 winter season
‘r‘I'fébiles had to be registered only if used on the road-
.‘flig 1, whereas in the 1970-1971 winter season all snowmobiles
‘ _‘hed to be registered if used on other than private land.

“:The following are the major findings.

1. Registration of snowmobiles increased 250 per cent
from the 1969-1970 winter season to the 1970-1971

winter season.

In the 1969-1970 winter season there were 90.1
accidents for each 10,000 registered snowmobiles
and in the 1970-1971 winter season there were 52.7

accidents per 10,000 registered snowmobiles.

Both winter seasons had eleven fatal injuries in

the on-road accident sub—group.

There were eleven more fatal injuries in the off-
road sub-group in the 1970-1971 winter season than

in the 1969-1970 winter season.

Fifty-nine and four tenths per cent of the
accidents occurred on-road in the 1969-1970 winter
season, but only 40.9 per cent occurred on—road in

the 1970—1971 winter season.

\

1:6: Of the on-road operations prohibited by the Harris
'1 Bill in 1970-1971, 65.3 per cent involved collision

Nancy G. Hinckley

with a motor vehicle in winter season 1969-1970

and 45.2 per cent in winter season 1970-197.

In both winter seasons the majority of operators
involved in either on-road or off—road accidents

resided in the county of their accident occurrence.

     
  

‘aDY OF SELECTED FACTORS RELATED TO SNOWMOBILE
ACCIDENTS BEFORE AND AFTER ENACTMENT OF
REGULATORY LEGISLATION IN THE STATE

OF NEW YORK

BY

ufi'.
Nancy G. Hinckley

A THESIS ' 3

Submitted to
Michigan State University
in partial fulfillment of the requirements
for the degree of

DOCTOR or PHILOSOPHY
College of Education

1972

 

   
  
 
  
   
  
  
  

 

”a this area of
\n “7-” “at. Gehrlng

, r ‘ l"‘ ‘ .
1 State 152“."‘1rn‘; {3’ r ..
'g’ef the snuur .
'0 ”I. IVA". I- .
and ' ‘1‘." "- - ~ ~‘-l. .
of Parks o"(. R’“ .' 'I":~‘ {‘9‘ a.
‘1. OCCldun- re: z a
’0 the “‘63?" 3’ ’3: LHL'; n .
Gustaf 50.. . Fhsinuac. a". ”.L .
men, and ‘Fr. Robe-1": '3. Haas. ‘ .

'IC “(:3 E :1

{2r diligent

phase of this endsazar

it

 

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

  
  
   
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

This study would not have been commenced nor

L¥aaccomplished without the cooperation and encouragement of

'“Gnnmerous agencies and individuals. It is with a debt of

"H.
‘“ ‘ gratitude that these acknowledgments are gratefully
7/ bestowed:
M
’7 To Mr. Charles W. Bostick, Director, and Mr. D.

T" try Negri of the Division of Research Development of the

M
'i'. '1Iw York State Department of Motor Vehicles for providing
9

r.
‘3
v

._ pies of the snowmobile accident reports.

To Mr. Ivan Vamos, Director, and Mr. Roy Roberts of

Recreation and Planning Division of the New York State

To the members of the Doctoral Guidance Committee,
7. Robert E. Gustafson, Chairman, Dr. Joseph G. Dzenowagis,
V George R. Myers, and Dr. Robert O. Nolan, who fostered
Lifiiry into this area of concern.

li.:?‘To Mrs. Karen Gehring for diligent service during

 

ii

:1.

I
.
\ ,
n
if

 

  
 

'%0‘Theorodore E. Hinckley, my husband, for sus—

flith and confidence from the beginning to the end

Study .

"f: to THE

2.3"“ l;'; .‘1‘ v." ' ‘
"9‘ . » st Parry“
‘ A235 Lutv'”

‘A fig 6,3; Imprr‘;
"'W . Oéflni'r

Ac: :, e a 2.

F‘lwwi “.25 .

I" L515”): 2 ‘:

{)f": ~- ‘ :‘, .,_ . ' ; '
“it“ 1. H5 ..‘

Otf‘i'W 8.; 'K d

0?!" RU“: “3 r:-’:.'

9“OHF}C

w‘fit‘z.’ ‘ ‘ V

"int" "was ~i. s"

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Ar" ~ I
-5

’ I‘”n.‘._ _n\» x

' A v ‘I
. ‘. 3‘,

’L '

  

» :Wiléd rtw;f.:.:..i; L'J ‘9 ,1‘. in-
‘ mrd9\ - o . .

~ .

   
   
 

1 IS?"
13:) HETRCM’KU Y .

_ . an of the Ifi‘vpd'; r'? . ; K .15;
teiii Var‘ors of Carrezn in
I Study. . . . . 27

941

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ms? OF TABLES o o o o o o o c o

    

THE PROBLEM . . . . . . .

Statement of the Problem.
Purpose of the Study . .
Assumptions . .
Importance of the Study .
Definitions of Terms . .

Accident . . . . . . .
Fixed Object . . . . . .
Hidden Object. . .

Motor Vehicle Accident Report
Office of Parks and Recreation
Accident Report . . . .
Off-Road Accident . . .
On-Road Accident. . . .
Snowmobile. . . . .
Winter Season 1969- 1970 .
Winter Season 1970- 1971 .

Organization of the Study . .
ia7REVIEw OF THE LITERATURE . . .
Research Studies . .

RecOrds. . . . . . . .
Summary . . . . . . . .

1' Q ffDESIGN AND METHODOLOGY . . . .
V Selection of the Population and
t Sub-GrOups. . .

iCSelected Factors of Concern in
'_\ 5 This- Study. a a o O o a

.\_\. n . iv

Summarized Accident Data and Hospital

Page

ix

£0090 \ocoooqq H

26,

‘27

. / r
1.21.7. - .A n

I
r

 

 

Collection of the Data
Codification of the Data
Treatment of the Data
Summary . . . .

X" .13. ANALYSIS OF THE DATA .

Selected Factors of

Operator . . .

Age . . . .
Sex . .

the Population . . .

Ownership Status.

Residence of Operators

Type of Accident.
Region of Injury.

Type of Injury

Classification of Accident

Operation at the Time of Occurrence

I I I I I I I

Apparent Cause or Contributing

Circumstance

Vehicle . . .

Registration Status.

Vehicle Make .
Horsepower. .

Environment . .

County of Accident

Location . .

Surface Condition

Week of Season
Day of Week .
Hour of Day .
Weather. . .
Visibility. .

Selected Factors of

Operator . . .

Age ‘I I o 0
sex I ‘ I I

the On-Road

Ownership Status.
Residence of Operators.

Occurrence

O

Sub-Group.

I‘.

. Type of Accident . . . . . .
Region of Injury . . . . . .
Type of Injury. . . .
Classification of Accident. . .
Operation at the Time of Occurrence
Apparent Cause or Contributing

Circumstance. . . . . . . .

vehicle. I I O I C O D I O 0

Registration Status . . . . . .
Vehicle Make . . . . . . . .
Horsepower . . . . . . . . .

Environment . . . . . . . . .

County of Accident Occurrence
Location. . . . .
Surface Conditions
Week of Season. .
Day of Week. .
Hour of Day. .
Weather . . .
Visibility . .

   

Operator . . . . . . . . . .

Age . . . . . . .
Sex . . . . .
Ownership Status . . .
Residence of Operators .
Type of Accident . . .
Region of Injury . . .
Type of Injury. . .
Classification Of Accident. .
Operation at the Time of Occurrence.
Apparent Cause or Contributing
Circumstance. . . . . . .I .

Vehicle. . . . . . . . . . .

. Registration Status . . . . . .

- "K vehicle Make I I I I o o o o
1 Horsepower . . . . . . . . .
“.25; ."F; .

f1" .,
3&51. 7 vi

Selected Factors of the Off-Road Sub-Group.

102
103
103

Madmri.n

 

Page

   
  
   
   
  
  
  
 
   
  

Environment . . . . . . . . . . . 103

County of Accident Occurrence . . . . 103
Location . . . . . . . . . . 105
Surface Condition . . . . . . . . 108
Week of Season . . . . . . . . . 108
Day of Week . . . . . . . . . . 109
Hour of Day . . . . . . . . . . 111
Weather. . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Visibility. . . . . . . . . . . 113

Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
‘I. SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND DISCUSSION, AND
RECOMMENDATIONS . . . . . . . . . . 116

. ‘r v ‘ ~ Sumary I I I I I I I I I I 116
Summary of the Major Findings. . . . . . 117

1 5.‘. Summary of the Selected Factors of
‘ the Population . . . . . . . . . 117

Operator . . . . . . . . . . . 118
vehicle. I I I I I I I I I I I 120
Environment . . . . . . . . . . 120

Summary of the Selected Factors of
the On-Road Sub-Group . . . . . . . 122

Operator . . . . . . . . . . . 122
vehicle. I I I I I I I I I I I 125
Environment . . . . . . . . . . 126

Summary of the Selected Factors of
the Off-Road Sub-Group. . . . . . . 127

Operator . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Vehicle. I I I I I I I I I I I 130
Environment . . . . . . . . . . 131

Conclusions. . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Discussion of Feelings Not Supported

by Data . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Recommendations . . . . . . 137
Recommendations for Further Study . . . . 139

I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 1 4’1

 

   
  
   
    
  
  

'Malcolm Baldwin's Model Law . . . .

Motor Vehicle Accident Report,
Form MV—104. . . . . . . . .

Office of Parks and Recreation
I.'Accident Report, Form MRV-ZOZS . .

Vehicle and Traffic Laws Relative to
a Snowmobiles in Effect During Winter
Season 1969-1970 . . . . . . .

The Harris Bill (4862-A) Relative to
Snowmobile in Effect During Winter
'Season 1970-1971 . . . . . . .

Page

145

152

154

156

160

 

LIST OF TABLES

   
   
   
    
   
   
    
   
   
   

Q E 3EJEJ . Distribution of Snowmobile Accidents of

A Interest in This Study . . . . . . . .
é. 44‘ '4." Distribution of Population by Age . . . . .
. “‘1

' 4,2. Distribution of Snowmobile Accident

v- ~ . Involvement of Operators by Sex . . . . .

’v- ,
. ‘El-3. Distribution of Ownership Status of
-‘J*‘.4 ‘ Snowmobiles Involved in Accidents . . . .

h? §i4w . Distribution of Snowmobile Operators Involved
- ‘£,;'_ 'in Accidents by County of Residence. . . .

‘-_ Distribution of Residence of Snowmobile
3.1, ~Operator by County of Accident . . . . .

Distribution of Type of Snowmobile Accident. .

Distribution of Region of Injury of
Operators Involved in Snowmobile Accidents .

Distribution of Type of Injury to Snowmobile
Operator. . . . . . . . . . . . .

Distribution of Classification of Snowmobile
: Accident 8 I I I I I I I I I I I I

. Distribution of Snowmobile Accidents by
ggi Operation at the Time of the Occurrence . .

Distribution of Snowmobile Accidents by
Apparent Cause or Contributing Circumstance .

EDistribution of New York Snowmobile
.‘;_Registration by County . . . . . . . .

ix

Page

27

34

35

36

37

39
40

41

42

43

44

45

47

Page

Distribution of Registered Status of
Snowmobiles Involved in Accidents . . . . 49

Distribution of Snowmobiles Involved in
Accidents . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Distribution of Horsepower of Snowmobiles
Involved in Accidents . . . . . . . . 51

Distribution of Snowmobile Accidents by
County of Occurrence . . . . . . . . 52

Distribution of Location of Snowmobile
Accident by Terrain. . . . . . . . . 55

Distribution of the Surface Condition of the
Snowmobile Accident Location. . . . . . 55

Distribution of Snowmobile Accidents by
Week of Season . . . . . . . . . . 57

Distribution of Day of Week of the
Snowmobile Accident. . . . . . . . . 58

Distribution of Snowmobile Accidents by
Hour of Day . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Distribution of the Weather Condition at
the Time of the Snowmobile Accident . . . 60

Distribution of Visibility at the Time of
the Snowmobile Accident . . . . . . . 61

Distribution of On-Road Sub—Group by Age . . 62

Distribution of On-Road SnOWmobile Accident
Involvement of Operators by Sex. . . . . 63

Distribution of Ownership Status of
Snowmobiles Involved in On-Road Accidents . 64

Distribution of Snowmobile Operators Involved
in On—Road Accidents by County of
Residence . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

Distribution of Residence of Snowmobile
Operators Involved in On-Road Accidents
by County of Occurrence . . . . . . . 68

 

 

Distribution of Type of On-Road Snowmobile
Accident . . . . . . . . . . . .

Distribution of Region of Injury of
Operators Involved in On-Road Snowmobile
Accidents. . . . . . . . . . . .

Distribution of Type of Injury to
Snowmobile Operators in On-Road Accidents .

Distribution of Classification of On—Road
Snowmobile Accidents . . . . . . . .

Distribution of Classification of On-Road
Snowmobile Accidents by Operation Permitted
or Prohibited by the Harris Bill . . . .

Distribution of On—Road Snowmobile Accidents
by Operation at the Time of Occurrence by
Action Permitted or Prohibited by the
Harris Bill . . . . . . . . . . .

Distribution of On- Road Snowmobile Accidents
by Apparent Cause or Contributing
Circumstance. . . . . . . . . .

Distribution of Registration Status of
Snowmobiles Involved in On—Road Accidents .

Distribution of Make of Snowmobile Involved
in On—Road Accidents . . . . . . . .

Distribution of Horsepower of Snowmobiles
Involved in On-Road Accidents . . . . .

Distribution of On-Road Snowmobile Accidents
by County of Occurrence . . . . . . .

Distribution of Surface Condition of On-
Road Snowmobile Accident Location. . . .

Distribution of On-Road Snowmobile Accidents
by Week of Season . . . . . . . . .

Distribution of Day of Week of On-Road
Snowmobile Accidents . . . . . . .

Page

68

69

70

72

73

75

77

78

79

80

82

84

85

86

 

Distribution of On—Road Snowmobile Accidents
by Hour of Day . . . . . . . . . .

Distribution of Weather Conditions at the
Time of the On-Road Snowmobile Accident. .

Distribution of Visibility at the Time of
the On-Road Snowmobile Accident . . . .

Distribution of Off-Road Sub-Group by Age. .

Distribution of Off-Road Snowmobile Accident
Involvement of Operators by Sex . . . .

Distribution of Ownership Status of Snow-
mobiles Involved in Off-Road Accidents . .

Distribution of Off—Road Snowmobile
Operators by County of Residence . . . .

Distribution of Residence of Snowmobile
Operators Involved in Off-Road Accidents
by County of Occurrence . . . . . . .

Distribution of Type of Off-Road Snowmobile
Accident . . . . . . . . . . . .

Distribution of Region of Injury of
Operators Involved in Off-Road Snowmobile
Accidents. . . . . . . . . . . .

Distribution of Type of Injury to Snowmobile
Operator in Off-Road Accident Occurrences .

Distribution of Classification of Off—Road
Snowmobile Accidents . . . . . . . .

Distribution of Off-Road Snowmobile
Accidents by Operation at the Time of
Occurrence . . . . . . . . . . .

Distribution of Off-Road Snowmobile Accidents
by Apparent Cause or Contributing
Circumstance. . . . . . . . . . .

Distribution of Registered Status of
Snowmobiles Involved in Off-Road Accidents.

Page

87

88

89
91

92

92

94

96

97

98

98

100

101

101

102

   
  
   
   
   
   
  
   
   
   

" if- 61. Distribution
" Snowmobile

:4 . 62. Distribution
7, Snowmobile

“144.165. ' Distribution
‘ by Week of

5,154., Distribution
v ' Snowmobile

‘ ' 3,6,5. Distribution

of Location of Off-Road

.g§-160. Distribution of Off-Road Snowmobile
" ' Accidents by County of Occurrence .

Accidents by Terrain.

of Surface Condition of Off-Road

Accident Location.

of Off-Road Snowmobile Accidents

Season . . . .

of Day of Week of Off-Road

Accidents . . .

of Off—Road Snowmobile
Accidents by Hour of Day .

xiii

Distribution of Horsepower of Snowmobiles
Involved in Off-Road Accidents

pé'iibfl?fit--Distribution of Weather Condition at the
. ‘ " Time of the Off-Road Snowmobile Accident

5?.. Distribution of Visibility at the Time of
the Off-Road Snowmobile Accident.

Distribution of Make of Snowmobile Involved
in Off-Road Accidents . . .

Page

104

105

106

108

110

111

112

113

114

CHAPTER I

THE PROBLEM

   
   
  
 
 
  
  
  
     
 
    
 
   
   

The development of the snowmobile occurred over a
1‘ beriod of fifty years. The first recorded motorized, over
Show travel took place in Kiev, Russia in a machine built
By Igor Sikorsky in 1909.1 Next, in 1913, the name snow-
.» ‘5 fiile was copywrited by Virgil D. White of New Hampshire
Who also invented and patented the Model T snowmobile.2
‘ I In ‘1928 the Ford Motor Company provided snow vehicles for
A‘Qlllzlsfal Byrd's polar expedition.3 The snowmobile, a
hindhine with ski frontrunners and rear drive track without

‘ u...
' 1%‘1620dynamic cowling, was invented and patented by Carl J.

3lilison in 1929 in Wisconsin.4 Finally, following attempts

y"

1‘) -

 

c. B. Colby, "Getting the Picture," Outdoor Life
‘I, 1969), 6.

2"The First Snowmobile," Yankee (January, 1971) ,

H - 3James J. Tuite, Snowmobiles and Snowmobilin
from); Cowles Book, 19695, p. E.

f» IStephen A. Briggs, II, "Snowmobile History,”
’1’Ssrfet Con oress Proceedins, 26:40 (1965), p. 40.

  
 

in 1923 and 1936, in 1959 Canadian Joseph—Armand Bombardier
designed the snowmobile as we recognize it today.5

From Bombardier's meager beginnings in 1959, the
srlcmmobile and support industries now boast a multi-billion
dc>Jlar business.6 The growth in the snowmobile industry is
exridenced by the attendance of 250 exhibitors and 4,000
desalers and distributors at the 1971 Third International
Snowmobile Trade Show:7 The multi-billion dollar business
is accrued through the cost of the snowmobile, trailer,
CJJDthing, transportation, lodging, meals, extra equipment,
and insurance. On the average an individual pays $1,200
for: a snowmobile and equipment8 and not uncommonly a family
has two snowmobiles. The number of snowmobiles per capita

in a family has become a status symbol.9 Snowmobile sales

 

   
 
   
  
 
 
 
 

5"Snow Vehicles,

Machine Design, 38:138 (January,
1966), p. 140.

6Jack Olsen, "Bad Snow Out in the Cold Snow,"
§mrts Illgtrated, V01. 32, No. 11 (March 16, 1970), 28.

7Pierre Aubin, "Snowmobile Country-~The U.S.,"
EBDIeign Trade, 134:14—17 (November 7, 1971), p. 17.

8D. E. Clarkin, "The Industry Pledge," Proceedings
‘3f the International Snowmobile Conference (Minnesota

Department of Conservation, February, 1970), p. 5.

9Richard N. Humphreys, "Those Snowmobiles: Bane
0: Bone?" Vermont Life, Vol. 26, No. 2 (Winter, 1971), 10.

 

 

 

information indicates that there are over one million
snowmobiles in operation in North America.10
The varied uses and reasons for using snowmobiles

lead to a large sales volume which is the generally
accepted indicator of public acceptance. The varied uses
of the snowmobile include: families enjoying the outdoors
together, snowmobile clubs having developed from groups of
people doing things together for social interaction,11 and
sporting events having developed to provide an outlet for

12

competitiveness for many snowmobilers. The snowmobile

is also a great boon to search and rescue teams and law
enforcement officials in areas of heavy snowfall.13
Although snowmobiles are popular with many people,
they are becoming unpopular among the environmentalists for
harassing wildlife, for making trails which predatory

animals use,14 for abusing public and private land,15 and

 

10H. K. Howe, Snowmobile Industry Sales (Washington,

D.C.: International Snowmobile Industry Association, June,
1970), p. l.

 

11 . . . . .
P. A. Snook, "Snowmobiling," National Wildlife,

Vol. 7 (December-January, 1969), 43.

 

12John W. Malo, Snowmobilin -—The Guide (New York:
The Macmillan Company, 1971), pp. 127-3 .

13Ibid., pp. 147-53.

14Richard E. Griffith, "Environmental Quality
Impact," Proceedings of the International Snowmobile Con-
ference (Albany, N.Y.: New York State Department of
onservation, May, 1969), p. 80.

 

15Olsen, loc. cit., p. 30.

0
up “I

"'0 f
.,; n:
‘

1"“

 

so 9
(4: U
a
.
P-‘V ,.
U' :-
O
.Uft
\
1144‘

 

'!‘
v7.
0.“

0n-
.
6.1.

4..
in

NA

is
“d

  

 

 

for polluting atmospherically and sonically.16 Also,
private individuals dislike snowmobiles when the snowmobile
is used for destruction of private property, tresspassing
on private property, and for infringing on personal freedom
by disturbing the peace.17 The conflicts between the
snowmobile and other winter activities and motor vehicles
have augmented the feelings rising against snowmobiles.18
Finally, the most important cause for the sentiment against
the snowmobile is the number of operators, passengers,
other winter sport participants, and spectators who are
injured or killed through the unregulated use of the snow-
mobile.19
The enactment of legislation usually lays the
foundation or provides the means for regulation of man's
activities by setting standards, imposing limits, and
establishing enforcement. The aim of legislation is the

regulation of the behavior of man to protect man from

himself and others. For example, any game or contest has

 

16Elizabeth N. Layne, "Abominable Snowmen,"
American Heritage, Vol. 21:113 (February, 1970), 113.

17Diane Lansing, "Snowmobiles Push Further
Afield," Christian Science Monitor (November 25, 1969),
p. 6.

18Henry Giniger, "Scotters, (Snowmobiles, That

Is) Hit the Alps," The New York Times (January 22, 1972),
p. 8.

19National Safety Council, "Snowmobile Accident

Summary 1969-1970 Winter Season" (Chicago, 111.: National
Safety Council, 1970).

  

 

 

pre-established rules and regulations; all forms of
transportation have federal, state, and local regulations.
Generally speaking man's activities are regulated.

The increase in the number of the state legislatures
passing statutes to regulate the use of snowmobiles is one
indicator that the accident and injury statistics of snow—
mobilers have been growing at an alarming rate. Twenty-
two of the twenty-eight snow—belt states have legislation
pertaining to the snowmobile. Of the twenty—two, all
require a head light and tail light on the snowmobile,
twenty allow snowmobiles to cross the highway, nineteen
have registration requirements, eighteen have muffler
requirements, and fourteen require accident reports.20
Many states also have equipment requirements relative to
brake effectiveness.21

Malcolm Baldwin's Model Law was presented at the
International Snowmobile Conference in Albany, New York,
May, 1969. The titles within the law give an indication
of its content. The titles are "Definition, Registration,
Vehicle Identification, Licensing, Non Residents, Temporary

Permission, Taxation, Dealers, Ownership Transfer, Noise

 

20"What You Should Know About Your Snowmobile and
the Law," Snowmobile Handbook (Popular Science, 1972),
pp. 42-43.

21"Winter's Horseless Sleigh: New State Law--
Proposed Local Regulations of Snowmobiles," Municipality,
Vol. 65:30 (February, 1970), 31.

 

 

 

and Exhaust, Operating Restrictions, Sanitation, Hunting
and Use of Firearms, Liability, Accidents, Snowmobile
Highway Use, Zones of Use, Municipalities, Penalties and

Enforcement."22

The text of this Model Law may be found in
Appendix A.

The major concerns of individuals who want snow-
mobile legislation are to have the vehicle registered and
the operator licensed.23 However, according to some, there
is little that legislation can do to reduce the hazard
except to keep the snowmobile off the highway.24

A unique application of the motor vehicle law
allowed snowmobiles to be operated upon the public highways
of New York State after being insured and registered with
the Department of Motor Vehicles for highway use.25 How—
ever, subsequent to the enactment of the Harris Bill
(4862-A) snowmobiles were registered with the Office of
Parks and Recreation and were restricted to only direct

crossings of highways at an angle of approximately ninety

degrees and use of bridges and culverts in order to cross

 

22Proceedin of thg 1969 International Snowmobile
Conference (Albany, N.Y., May, 1969; Albany, N.Y.: New
York State Conservation Commission, 1969), pp. 40—44.

23"Cool, Fast Fun--and Trouble, Too," Life, Vol. 70,
No. 7 (February 26, 1971), 21.

24D. Bell, "The Move to Harness the Snowmobiliacs,"
Maclean's, Vol. 80:4 (April, 1967), 3.

25"Vehicle and Traffic Law," New York Department of
Metor Vehicles (Albany, N.Y.: September, 1969), p. 193.

 

 

 

"a body of water.26 Therefore, in the winter season of
1969-1970, prior to the enactment of the Harris Bill snow-
mobiles were permitted to travel along highways. With the
enactment of the Harris Bill, during the winter season of
1970-1971 snowmobiles were forbidden use of the highways
except for crossing. This, then presented an exceptional
opportunity to study the apparent effects of regulatory
legislation on accident frequency and severity in New York
state.
Statement of the Problem

The snowmobile problem is as complex as our society.
The reduction of the number and severity of injuries
incurred through involvement in snowmobile accidents is one
aspect of the problem. New York's state legislature
enacted a law to regulate snowmobile use to ameliorate the
snowmobile accident and injury dilemma. It was hoped that
this study would reveal that the law enacted in New York
state caused modification of snowmobile accident and

injury involvement.

Purpose of the Study
The purpose of the study was to ascertain the

particular factors that were most conspicuous in snowmobile

 

26J. L. Harris, et a1., "An Act to Amend the Vehicle

and Traffic Law and Conservation Law in Relation to Regis-
tration, Operation and Control of Snowmobiles,“ The

issembly of the State of New York, No. 4862-A (February,
970).

 

 

 

accidents preceding and following the enactment of regu-
latory legislation in the state of New York. This study
considered factors relative to the operator, the vehicle,
and the environment for on-road and off-road snowmobile

accidents in the winter seasons of 1969—1970 and 1970-1971.

Assumptions

The information collected from the New York
Department of Motor Vehicles accident report form (MV-104)
and the New York Office of Parks and Recreation accident
report form (MRV-ZOZS) was assumed to be factual and

objective.

Importance of the Study

Public and legislative concern has fostered legis-
lative action. Hopefully, the information revealed through
this study will disclose that persons concerned with the
snowmobiling dilemma have made meaningful decisions and the
elected representatives have passed legislation that deals
effectively with the problem. This endeavor may serve as
a base of information for future legislative and decision-
making needs and may also be used as base year data for a

longitudinal study.

 

 
 

Definition of Termg

 

Accident
An event, occurrence, or happening which is un-
expected or undesigned; it has an element of chance or

probability, and has undesirable or unfortunate results.27

Fixed Object
A visible immovable obstruction such as a tree or

fence post.

Hidden Object
An obstruction not readily visible such as a stump

covered with snow.

Motor Vehicle Accident Report

The accident report form MV-104 which must be
completed by a police officer for any accident meeting
statute definitions for on- or off-road accidents.28 A

copy of the report is contained in Appendix B.

 

27Stannard J. Baker and William R. Stebbins, Jr.,

Dictionary of Highway Traffic (Evanston, 111.: North-
western University, 1960), p. 2.

28Theodore E. Hinckley, "Analysis of Snowmobile
Accidents Involving Young Operators in the State of New
York" (unpublished Doctoral dissertation, Michigan State
University, 1971), p. 11.

10

   
  
   
  
  
 

"_§flof Parks and Recreation
"ant Re-ort

U' The accident report MRV-ZOZS which must be completed
[-Jn'é ,

fl'hy the accident subject for any accident meeting statute

\‘ definitions for on- or off-road accidents. A copy of the

Report is contained in Appendix C.

 
    
  
    
   
     
    
    
  

l ‘ .‘3 ‘
- 1U
.gt
~:' " An accident that occurs outside the highway right

 

Off-Road Accident

.J\{."oEWay. Reporting of such occurrences in the winter season
:féii of 1969-1970 was not required, except in the case of a

. fatal injury. Reporting to the Office of Parks and
Recreation in the winter season of 1970-1971 was required
:i, if there was resulting injury and/or property damage in
;;$£Ig§§€§s of $100.00.

5 xii OmbRbad Accident

i‘ _

 

\}"‘; éflria* An accident that occurs inside the highway right of

.‘m‘q. :.
ta. flayt— Resulting personal injury and/or property damage in
L x6583 of $100. 00 which, according to the law, must have

:?~hnen.reported to the Department of Motor Vehicles in the
Mal

iflfihbbr season of 1969- -1970 or the Office of Parks and

 

4’

g,-

 

 

 

n

 

 

ll

Snowmobile
A motor—driven sled propelled by an endless track
and steered by the use of a ski-like structure, designed to

be operated on snow.29

Winter Season 1969-1970

 

Beginning November 1, 1969, and continuing through

March 30, 1970.

Winter Season 1970-1971

 

Beginning November 1, 1970, and continuing through

April 30, 1971.

Qgggpizatiop of the Study

In Chapter II a review of the literature related
to snowmobile accidents will be presented. The chapter
will be divided into two sections: research studies to
determine factors prevalent in snowmobile accident
occurrences and summarization of accident data and
hospital records.

Chapter III will include the design and methodology
of the study. The population will be described as well as
the two sub-groups of special interest.

In Chapter IV data gathered from the New York
Department Motor Vehicle Accident Report MV-104 and the

New York Office of Parks and Recreation Accident Report

 

291bid., p. 12.

W

A“

.-

 

  
  
  
 
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
 

g, .

9““

‘ i?" a..."
'4: L .4 .
; ‘5‘; a“: .

..
.1 :69,

9-33 havm pa «9c qk»

' Harder to azsttrmin .
K ‘ . _

12

solstionships and accident factors.

“i In Chapter V the summary, conclusions, discussion

SW» rs not supported by the data, recomendations,

ndations for further research will be presented.

 

._ “9151*1‘ -'. ‘J
.1938 Pro: .

. - snowman; Lw

4'- atstz'atftg. "1f.

, .ltudie‘s an ‘ ‘zv ..-
(er howled; ' - " i ~
are is conca: w -. ‘-..-.2 '1 . '
'- S‘Ohi o: rt” gaiatfch ¢1 a.
*hc 16: J.\ 3 ~ 1‘;

A... accident Qatari-Incas m" .4
.“M and hospital recur-an, (mi- -. ’g.\':'-;' ~.

into two parts .

Regent h Studin

 

..
y

I. of the tire: research studies paw?" 5.26. e; m)

CHAPTER II

REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE

Legislation is considered to be one of the ways to
solve the problems caused by the phenomenal growth in the
use of snowmobiles. Twenty-two states and four Canadian
provinces have passed such legislation. The compilation of
accident statistics by law enforcement agencies and
research studies into the problem are attempting to provide
a basis for knowledgeable legislation. The review of the
literature is concerned with the major findings and
recommendations of the research studies that were under-
taken in order to ascertain the factors prevalent in
snowmobile accident occurrences and a summarization of
accident data and hospital records, which serves to divide

the review into two parts.

Research Studies
One of the first research studies pertaining to
snowmobiles was conducted by D. Barry Negri of the Depart-

ment of Motor Vehicles. He prepared a preliminary review

 

of accidents involving snowmobiles occurring in the winter

4 .7 13

 

O
.w

d
Jun

ID‘
.-

J94

 

A
i

 

 

14

seasons of 1967 and 1968. He followed the first study with
a detailed investigation of snowmobile accidents from
January, 1969 to June, 1970, a one and one—half year
period. In the preliminary review Negri reported that
two-thirds of the accidents occurring on public roads
involved collision with other motor vehicles, 49 per cent
occurring off-road involved the snowmobile overturning,
occupant falling off, or an event resulting from proceeding
over bumps and ditches; the body areas sustaining the
highest frequency of injury were the legs and head; more
than half the accidents occurred on a combination of
Saturday and Sunday; and half the accidents occurred from
3:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. Negri's recommendations in the
first review included that: Snowmobile occupants wear
helmets, snowmobile operators while driving on public
highways should be extremely aware that automobiles
represent a special hazard, and snowmobile operators should
make frequent mechanical checks to be sure their vehicle is
in good working order.1 In the second report, a detailed
investigation, similar findings were reported: Approxi-
mately two-thirds of the accidents occurring on public
roads involved collisions with another motor vehicle,

44 per cent involved overturning, falling off, or

 

1D. B. Negri, Accidents Involvin Snowmobiles--A
Preliminary Review, No. 1970-1 (AISany, N.Y.: New York
State Department of Motor Vehicle, Division of Research and
Development, February, 1970).

 

 

 

15

proceeding over bumps and ditches; the body areas of
highest frequency of injury were the legs and head, however
there was a 29 per cent reduction in the probability of
sustaining head injury for those wearing helmets. An
additional finding was that snowmobile lighting may be
deficient. Recommendations from Negri's second report
included: Suggestion for further study to determine if
snowmobile lighting is deficient, requirements and
standards for helmets, public information concerning
hazards of snowmobiles crossing public highways, vehicle
safety maintenance, and snowmobiles should be equipped with
a safety mechanism to prevent the throttle from sticking in
the open position.2

Next Alfred S. King investigated the specific
factors that were most prominent in snowmobile accidents
in the state of Michigan. His information was obtained
from traffic accident reports, driving records, and per-
sonal interviews. King's major findings included: January
as the peak month for accidents; approximately one-fourth
of the drivers had accidents in counties other than where
they resided; the combination of Saturday and Sunday
accounted for 77 per cent of the accidents; over half of

the accidents occurred between the hours of 4:00 P.M. and

 

2D. B. Negri, Snowmobile Accidents--A Detailed
Investigation, No. 1970-2 (Albany, N.Y.: New York Depart-
ment 0 Motor Vehicles, Division of Research and Develop-
ment, December 1970).

 

‘I

1:

 

'

 

 

 

16

12:00 midnight; the average age of all the snowmobile
drivers involved in accidents was 27.69 years; and over
half the fatal accidents occurred when the driver attempted
to cross the highway. King's major recommendations
included: snowmobile regulations for an age limit for
snowmobile operators; restricted use of snowmobiles on
regularly traveled highways; requirement of safety helmets
and goggles; research into better design and safety equip-
ment for snowmobiles; and providing snowmobile safety
information through the public media. Further study was
recommended in the areas of legislation, safety equipment,
and effects of the snowmobile on the wilderness.3

Most recently, the descriptive study of Theodore E.
Hinckley attempted to identify the commonalities of snow-
mobile accidents. Forty-two young operators in the state
of New York received an in—depth study. Data were col—
lected from the motor vehicle accident report, snowmobile
accident report, subject interview, school record report,
and abstract of the driving record. Major findings
included: A majority of the subjects indicated an interest
in participating in a snowmobile operation and maintenance
course; the majority of the snowmobiles in the study were

unregistered; the majority of the accidents occurred under

 

3Alfred S. King, "A Study of Selected Factors
Related to Snowmobile Traffic Accidents in the State of
Michigan" (unpublished Doctoral dissertation, Michigan
State University, 1971).

17

seemingly ideal conditions of weather, light, and terrain;
over 74 per cent of the accidents were in collision with
another motor vehicle; vehicle deficiencies were present in
over 11 per cent of the accident occurrences; and over half
the subjects in the sample felt that alcohol in their
system may have been a factor in the accident. Recommen-
dations cited were for the snow-belt states to earmark
funds from snowmobile registration for the development of
trails and/or areas for snowmobile use; a public education
program be provided for snowmobilers and non-snowmobilers;
snow-belt states cooperate in the development of a uniform
accident reporting instrument; and uniform signs be
developed. Hinckley indicated that further study is needed
in the areas of the effectiveness of restrictive legis-
lation in frequency and severity of accidents, to determine
the accident rate per mile or per hour of snowmobile
operation, and to establish standards regarding the vehicle
and its components.4
Summarized Accident Data
and Hospital Records

Much of the literature regarding snowmobiles is
.based on summaries of accident data and on summaries of
hospital records. This section will be organized into

t11CDse findings and recommendations pertaining to the

Operator, the vehicle, and the environment.

.———

4Hinckley, loc. cit.

 

 

'vF

34

(I)

e-‘

18

Common factors reported in summaries of accident
data and hospital records as they relate to the operator
include: A disproportionate number of victims either
killed or injured in snowmobile accidents have been in the

S,6,7,8,9,10,11,12

24 and under age group; a reportable

number of vehicle operators were considered alcohol

 

5J. W. Martyn, "Snowmobile Accidents," Canadian

Medical Association Review, Vol. 101:770-72 (December 27,

6R. H. Dominici and E. H. Drake, "Speed on Snow--

The Motorized Sled," The American Journal of Surgery,
Vol. 119 (April, 1970)T7

7R. L. Withington and L. W. Hall, "Snowmobile
Accidents: A Review of Injuries Sustained in the Use of
Snowmobiles in Northern New England During the 1968-1969
Season," Journal of Trauma, Vol. 10 (September, 1970).

8William Castor and Hugh McIntyre, "Snowmobile
Accidents," Canadian Medical Association Journal, Vol.
102:421 (February, 1970).

9Ontario Department of Transportation, "Snowmobile
Collisions on Highways and Roads in Ontario," Prepared for
the 1970 International Snowmobile Congress, Duluth, Minne-
sota, by the Research Section (Toronto, Canada: Ontario
Department of Transport, February, 1970).

10"Snowmobile Accidents in Canada Winter of 1969-
.1970," Canada Safety Council (Ottawa: October, 1970).

11"Snowmobi1e Accident Summary 1969-1970 Winter
Season," National Safety Council (Chicago, 111.: 1970).

12William Carlson and Marion Compton, "Snowmobile
Crash Analysis," Highway Safeg Research Institute (Ann
Arbor, Mich.: March, 1971).

 

l9

13,14,15,16

involved; the largest percentage of snowmobile

17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24

operators were male; the type of

injury most commonly reported was the fracture;25’26'27'28

and the most common regions of injury were the lower

 

13Ontario Department of Transport, loc. cit.

14Martyn, loc. cit.

15Dominici and Drake, loc. cit.

16Richard W. McLay and Stanley E. Chism, "A Snow-
mobile Accident Study," A Report of a Study Given at the
International Snowmobile Conference (Albany, N.Y.: May,
1969).

l7Dominici and Drake, loc. cit.

18Martyn, loc. cit.

19Withington and Hall, loc. cit.

20Castor and McIntyre, loc. cit.

21Ontario Department of Transport, loc. cit.

22

"Snowmobile Accidents in Canada,’ loc. cit.

23"Snowmobile Accident Summary," loc. cit.

24Carlson and Compton, loc. cit.

25Stanley E. Chism and A. Bradley Soule, "Snow-
zmobile Injuries: Hazards from a Popular New Winter Sport,"
JRDurnal of the American Medical Association, Vol. 209,
NO. II (September, 1969).

26Martyn, loc. cit.

27Dominici and Drake, loc. cit.

28Withington and Hall, loc. cit.

20

extremities and the head;29'30'3l'32'33 and finally, many

of the studies recommended the use of protective helmets

and goggles.34'35'36'37

Common factors reported in summaries of accident
data and hospital records as they relate to the vehicle

included: Strangulation of operators due to clothing

38,39

caught in moving parts of a snowmobile; injuries or

 

29Martyn, loc. cit.

30Dominici and Drake, loc. cit.

31Castor and McIntyre, loc. cit.

32Withington and Hall, loc. cit.

33Chism and Soule, loc. cit.

34Raymond T. O'Dell, "Report on Oversnow Vehicles,"
United States Department of the Interior National Park
Service, June, 1968.

35Diminici and Drake, loc. cit.

36Withington and Hall, 16c. cit.

37Castor and McIntyre, loc. cit.

38R. Dominici, "Safety," Presented at the Third
Illiliual International Snowmobile Congress (Portland, Maine:
October 13, 1970).

39"Snowmobile Accidents in Canada," loc. cit.

 

()

21

40,41,42

fatalities due to sticking throttles; injuries due

to insufficient padding and support;43'44'45'46'47'48r49

lights inadequate for illuminating the path ahead and for

 

4oDominici and Drake, loc. cit.

41Martyn, loc. cit.

42Withington and Hall, loc. cit.

43R. C. Sturgis, et a1., "Ergonomic Study of Snow-
mobiles," A Study made at the Highway Safety Research
Institute, Ann Arbor, Michigan: Supported in part by an
Exploratory Research Grant from the National Safety
Council, Chicago, Illinois, June 30, 1970.

44Richard W. McLay, "Machine Considerations,"
Recommendations of a Machine Safety Workshop Held at the
International Snowmobile Conference (Albany, N.Y.: May
20-21, 1969).

45Henry Kao, "Human Factors," Recommendations of a
Human Factors Workshop Held at the International Snowmobile
Conference (Albany, N.Y.: May 20-21, 1969).

46Richard W. McLay, Paul M. Whalen, and William T.
Kurth, "Methods for Eliminating Snowmobile Caused Spinal
Injuries," Presented at the International Snowmobile Con—
iference (Duluth, Minn.: February 9-11, 1970).

4.IMcLay and Chism, loc. cit.

48Castor and McIntyre, loc. cit.

49Chism and Soule, loc. cit.

22

50,51,52,53,54,55

 

recognition of other vehicles; ineffective
steering and inherent vehicle instability;56'57'58 ineffec-
tive brakes,59'60'61'62 unsafe windshields;63'64 unshielded
mechanisms;65’66'67 excessive

50McLay, loc. cit. 51Kao, loc. cit.

52Martyn, loc. cit.

53Dominici and Drake, loc. cit.

54Sturgis, loc. cit.

55Withington and Hall, loc. cit.

56Chism and Soule, loc. cit.

S7Martyn, loc. cit.

58Dominici and Drake, loc. cit.

59McLay, loc. cit.

60Chism and Soule, loc. cit.

61Martyn, loc. cit.

62Dominici and Drake, loc. cit.

63Withington and Hall, loc. cit.

64Dominici and Drake, loc. cit.

65"Snowmobile Accidents in Canada," loc. cit.

66Chism and Soule, loc. cit.

67Dominici and Drake, loc. cit.

23

noise;68,69,70,7l 72,73,

74,75,76,77

horsepower yielding high speeds;

and vehicle design.78'79'8o'81
Common factors reported in summaries of accident

data and hospital records as they relate to the environment

include: A majority of the accidents occurred during dark

hours, however many of the studies did not consistently

 

68McLay, loc. cit.

9Castor and McIntyre, loc. cit.

7o"Snowmobile Accidents in Canada," loc. cit.
71Martyn, loc. cit. 72McLay, loc. cit.
73

Kao, loc. cit.

74Dominici and Drake, loc. cit.

75Martyn, loc. cit.

76Chism and Soule, loc. cit.

77O'Dell, loc. cit.

7BChism and Soule, loc. cit.

79McLay, Whalen, and Kurth, loc. cit.

80Dominici and Drake, loc. cit.

81Withington and Hall, loc. cit.

demark the line between daylight and darkness:
86,87,88,89

24

82,83,84,85,

a majority of the accidents occurred on the

roadway and a majority of those were with other motor

vehicles;

90'91'92'93'94'95 and a disproportionate number

of the accidents occurred on Saturday and Sunday.96

records

Based on the summary of accident data and hospital

recommendations were made in the areas of

 

82McLay and Chism, loc. cit.

83Castor and McIntyre, loc. cit.

4Dominici and Drake, loc. cit.

85Withington and Hall, loc. cit.
86"Snowmobile Accidents in Canada," 100. cit.
87Ontario Department of Transport, loc. cit.
88"Snowmobile Accident Summary," loc. cit.

89

Carlson and Compton, loc. cit.

90Martyn, loc. cit.

91Chism and Soule, loc. cit.

92Ontario Department of Transport, loc. cit.

93"Snowmobile Accident in Canada," loc. cit.

94"Snowmobile Accident Summary," loc. cit.

95Carlson and Compton, loc. cit.

96

"Snowmobile Accident Summary, loc. cit.

‘5‘:

my"
C

-
aflfln
sliv

‘ ‘
an!

who
6

5.44

 

 

25

97,98 99

legislation, improved forms for accident reporting,

100,101,102,103,104,105

educational training programs, and

publication of owner-operator manuals.106'107

Summary

The review of the literature revealed the major
findings and recommendations of the research studies
carried out by Negri, King, and Hinckley. Collateral
information was provided through the summarization of
accident data and hospital records pertaining to the

operator, the vehicle, and the environment.

 

97Chism and Soule, loc. cit.

98Withington and Hall, loc. cit.

99Withington and Hall, loc. cit.

100Charles E. Garrison, "Maine Safety Report,"
Recreational Industry_(November, 1969).

lolO'Dell, 10C. cit.

102Castor and McIntyre, loc. cit.

103Martyn, loc. cit.

104Withington and Hall, loc. cit.

. 105"Snowmobile Survey," Research Committee, Public
L71=¢1nlities Section, National Safety Council (Chicago, Ill.:
Auguet, 1969).

106"Snowmobile Survey," loc. cit.

107Withington and Hall, loc. cit.

CHAPTER III

DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY

In this chapter the design and methodology used in
the treatment of the data are delineated. The chapter
includes: Selection of the population and sub-groups,
selected factors of concern in this study, collection of
the data, codification of the data, treatment of the data,
and summary.

Selection of the Population
and Sub-groups

The population for this study was comprised of the
337 snowmobile accidents reported to the New York Department
of Motor Vehicles in the winter season of 1969-1970 and the
687 snowmobile accidents reported to the New York Office of
1?arks and Recreation in the winter season of 1970-1971.

Iflae population was subsequently divided into two sub-

Eilroups of on-road and off-road accident occurrences for

‘Eeéich of the winter seasons. The on-road sub-group consisted

‘3’15 200 snowmobile accidents for the winter season of 1969-

:1-53'70 and 281 snowmobile accidents for the winter season

jL-SI'70-l97l. The off-road sub—group consisted of 137

26

27

snowmobile accidents for the winter season of 1969-1970
and 406 snowmobile accidents for the winter season of
1970-1971. Snowmobile accident reporting differed between
the 1969-1970 and 1970-1971 winter seasons. In the 1969-
1970 winter season, on-road snowmobile accidents that
involved personal injury and/or property damage in excess
of $100.00 and off-road snowmobile accidents that involved
fatal injury had to be reported to the New York Department
of Motor Vehicles. In the 1970-1971 winter season all
snowmobile accidents that involved personal injury and/or
property damage in excess of $100.00 had to be reported to
the New York Office of Parks and Recreation. The preceding
information is organized and presented in Table 3.1.

TABLE 3.l.--Distribution of Snowmobile Accidents of Interest
in This Study.

 

 

Snowmobile Accidents 1969-1970a 1970-1971b
Population 337 687
On-road 200 281
Off-road 137 406

 

aSnowmobile accidents reported to New York Depart-
ment of Motor Vehicles.

bSnowmobile accidents reported to New York Office
of Parks and Recreation.

Selected Factors of Concern
in this Study
The selected factors of interest in this study were

grouped into three general areas: The operator, the

28

vehicle, and the environment. The factors considered in
the area of the operator were age, sex, residence, owner-
ship, region of injury, type of injury, operation at time
of accident, classification of accident, and apparent cause
of the accident. The factors to be considered in the area
of the vehicle were registration, make, and horsepower.
The environmental factors considered were the date, day of
week, time, location, county, weather, surface condition,
visibility, and terrain. These data were obtained from
the Department of Motor Vehicles accident report form
MV-104 and the Office of Parks and Recreation accident

report form MRV-ZOZS.

Collection of the Data
The Department of Motor Vehicles provided motor
vehicle accident reports for the 337 accidents of the winter
season 1969-1970 population. The Office of Parks and
Recreation provided access to the 687 accident reports of

the winter season 1970-1971 population.

Codification of the Data

 

Codifying manuals were developed for use with the
Department of Motor Vehicles accident report form MV—104
and Office of Parks and Recreation accident report form
MRV-ZOZS. Each selected factor of concern in this study
was itemized with the responses assigned a number from O
to 9. The number of the response was entered on a summary

sheet, then transposed to punch cards.

 

 

on

u

.4

p.

“I

 

Q.
‘4

F1

\ I

ha.

)

(h

0”

29

Treatment of the Data

The punch cards were submitted to the computer for
distribution of specified record columns. The per cent
change was calculated for most of the selected factors.
The per cent change was computed by finding the difference
between the frequencies of the two winter seasons for the
specified selected factor, dividing by the frequency of the
1969-1970 winter season selected factor, and multiplying
by 100. The value of the per cent change was rounded to
the nearest whole per cent. The data were then organized
into three parts for analysis. The first part was con-
cerned with the selected factors relating to the populations
of the winter seasons of 1969-1970 and 1970-1971. The per
cent change for the population of 337 snowmobile accidents
in the 1969-1970 winter season and the population of 687
snowmobile accidents in the 1970-1971 winter season was an
increase of 105. Therefore, the expected increase in per
cent change for each of the selected factors in the popu-
lation would be 105. An increase in per cent change in
excess of 105 would indicate more than the expected
increase, while an increase in per cent change of less
than 105 would indicate less than the expected increase.
The second part pertained to the selected factors of
concern in the on-road accidents of the 1969—1970 and
1970-1971 winter seasons. The per cent change for the
on-road sub-group of 200 snowmobile accidents in the

1969-1970 winter season and the 281 in the 1970-1971 winter

30

season was an increase of 40. Therefore, the expected
increase in per cent change for each of the selected
factors in the on-road sub-group would be 40. An increase
in per cent change in excess of 40 would indicate more than
the expected increase, while an increase in per cent change
of less than 40 would indicate less than the expected
increase. The third part treated the selected factors of
concern in off-road accidents of the winter seasons of
1969-1970 and 1970-1971. The per cent change for the off-
road sub-group of 137 snowmobile accidents in the 1969-
1970 winter season and the 406 of the 1970-1971 winter
season was an increase of 195. Therefore, the expected
increase in per cent change for each of the selected
factors in the off-road sub-group would be 195. An
increase in per cent change in excess of 195 would indicate
more than the expected increase, while an increase in per
cent change of less than 195 would indicate less than the
expected increase.

The data will be presented in table form in

Chapter V.

Summary
The design and methodology included in this chapter

described the selection of the population and sub-groups,
selected factors of concern in this study, collection and

codification of the data, and treatment of the data. The

31

results of the computer analysis will be discussed and

presented in Chapter IV.

CHAPTER IV

ANALYSIS OF THE DATA

Chapter IV includes an analysis of the data col—
lected by the methods described in the preceding chapter.
The results of the analyses are reported in three major
parts, each of which is further divided into selected
factors regarding the operator, the vehicle, and the
environment. Part one deals with the populations of 337
snowmobile accidents in the winter season of 1969—1970 and
687 snowmobile accidents in the winter season of 1970-1971.
The sub-groups of on-road snowmobile accidents of 200 in
the winter season of 1969-1970 and 281 in the winter season
of 1970-1971 are included in part two. In part three the
sub-groups of off-road snowmobile accidents of 137 in the
winter season of 1969-1970 and 406 in the winter season of
1970-1971 are presented. The analysis of the data is
revealed through tables and statements.

The following facts should be considered when
interpreting the findings of this study based on data
provided in accident report forms: (1) The total number

of snowmobiles in the state of New York was not known;

32

33

(2) The rate or amount of exposure to snowmobile use was
not known; (3) All off-road snowmobile accidents involving
personal injury and/or property damage in excess of $100.00
had to be reported in the winter season 1970-1971, whereas
only off-road snowmobile accidents involving fatal injury
had to be reported in the winter season 1969-1970; and
finally (4) In the 1969-1970 winter season snowmobiles had
to be registered only if used on the roadway, whereas in
the 1970-1971 winter season all snowmobiles had to be
registered if used on other than private land.
Selected Factors of
mopulation

Data from the Department of Motor Vehicles accident
report MV-104 and Office of Parks and Recreation accident
report MRV-ZOZS relative to the operator, the vehicle, and
the environment pertaining to the populations of 337 snow-
mobile accidents in the winter season 1969-1970 and 687
snowmobile accidents in the winter season of 1970-1971 are
presented in this section. The expected increase in per
cent change for each of the selected factors in the popu-

lation is 105.

Operator

Age.--The age of the population is depicted in
Table 4.1. The ages ranged from under fourteen to over
fifty-one years. The mean, median, and mode of the ages of

the population in the winter season 1969-1970 were 24.5

34

TABLE 4.1.--Distribution of Population by Age.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1969-1970 1970-1971
Years Per Cent
Change
Number Per Centa Number Per Centa
0-14 32 9.5 99 14.4 208
15-20 88 26.1 166 24.2 97
21-26 68 20.2 124 18.0 82
27-32 53 15.7 99 14.4 86
33-38 32 9.5 94 13.7 194
39-44 14 4.2 43 6.3 207
45-50 11 3.3 24 3.5 118
Sl-over 15 4.4 26 3.8 60
Unknown 24 7.1 12 1.8 50
Total 337 100.0 687 100.1
Mean Median Mode
1969-1970 24.5 years 23.7 years 17.5 years
1970-1971 25.2 years 24 years 17.5 years
% Change 3 1 O

 

aActual computed value rounded to the nearest
tenth.

35

years, 23.7 years, and 17.5 years, respectively. The mean,
median, and mode of the ages of the population for the
winter season of 1970-1971 were 25.2 years, 24.0 years, and
17.5 years, respectively. The largest increase in per cent
change occurred in the under fourteen and thirty-nine to
fourty-four year age groups with 208 and 207, respectively.
The least amount of increase in the per cent change occurred

in the fifty-one years and over age group with 60.

§gx.--The sex of the operator is revealed in
Table 4.2. In the winter season of 1969-1970, 9.2 per cent
of the operators were female, compared with 89.0 per cent
male. In the winter season of 1970-1971, 11.2 per cent of
the operators were female, compared with 88.5 per cent
male. This indicates an increase in the per cent change of
148 for the females and 103 for the males between the two
winter seasons.

TABLE 4.2.--Distribution of Snowmobile Accident Involvement
of Operators by Sex.

 

1969—1970 1970—1971

 

 

 

Per Cent
Sex a a Change
Number Per Cent Number Per Cent
Male 300 89.0 608 88.5 103
Female 31 9.2 77 11.2 148
Unknown 6 1.8 2 .3 -66
Total 337 100.0 687 100.0

 

aActual computed value rounded to the nearest
tenth.

36

Ownership Status.--The status of ownership of the
snowmobile is shown in Table 4.3. In the winter season
1969-1970, 199 of the operators involved in snowmobile
accidents owned their own snowmobile, compared to 382 in
the 1970-1971 winter season. This represents an increase
in the per cent change of 92. Operators involved in snow-
mobile accidents on snowmobiles other than their own in-
cluded 127 in the 1969-1970 winter season and 269 in the
1970-1971 winter season which is an increase in the per
cent change of 112.

TABLE 4.3.--Distribution of Ownership Status of Snowmobiles
Involved in Accidents.

 

1969-1970 1970-1971

 

 

 

Ownership Per Cent

Status Number Per Centa Number Per Centa Change
Owned 199 59.0 382 55.6 92
Not Owned 127 37.7 269 39.2 112
Unknown 11 3.3 36 5.2 227
Total 337 100.0 687 100.0

 

aActual computed value rounded to the nearest
tenth.

Residence of Operators.--The number and per cent of
the residence of operators involved in snowmobile accidents
per county in the 1969-1970 and 1970-1971 winter seasons
are listed in Table 4.4. Counties with the largest number
of operators involved in snowmobile accidents were Oneida—-

12.2 per cent, Onondaga--ll.3 per cent, Oswego-—9.2 per

37

TABLE 4.4.--Distribution of Snowmobile Operators Involved in Accidents
by County of Residence.

 

 

 

 

1969-1970 1970-1971

County Per Cent

Number Per Centa Number Per Centa Change
Albany 2 .6 9 1.3 350
Allegany 2 .6 2 .3 O
Broome 3 .9 12 .8 300
Cattaragus 4 1.2 3 .4 -100
Cayuga 9 2.7 18 2.6 100
Chautauqua 3 .9 5 .7 66
Chemung 3 .9 1 .2 -200
Chenango 2 .6 7 1.0 250
Clinton 5 1.5 17 2.5 240
Columbia . . . . 12 1.8 1200
Cortland 4 1.2 7 1.0 75
Delaware 1 .3 5 .7 400
Dutchess 4 1.2 9 1.3 125
Erie 14 4.2 19 2.8 36
Essex 1 .3 10 1.5 900
Franklin 9 2.7 27 3.9 200
Fulton . . . . 7 1.0 700
Genesee . . . . 5 .7 500
Greene 2 .6 7 1.0 250
Hamilton . . . . 3 .4 300
Herkimer 6 1.8 11 1.6 83
Jefferson 28 8.3 43 6.3 54
Lewis 4 1.2 46 6.7 1050
Livingston l .3 5 .7 400
Madison 14 4.2 14 2.0 0
Monroe 10 3.0 17 2.5 70
Montgomery 5 1.5 12 1.8 140
Nassau l .3 . . . . -100
New York City 3 .9 . . . . ~300
Niagara . . . . 7 1.0 700
Oneida 41 2.2 32 4.7 700
Onondaga 38 1.3 58 8.4 56
Ontario 2 .6 7 1.0 250
Orange 2 .6 3 .4 50
Orleans 1 .3 3 .4 200
Oswego 31 9.2 34 5.0 1
Otsego 3 .9 3 .4 O
Putnam . . . . 2 .3 200
Rensselaer 4 1.2 5 .7 25
Rockland l .3 l .2 O
St. Lawrence 28 8.3 43 6.3 54
Saratoga 6 1.8 22 3.2 266
Schenectady . . . . 4 .6 400

38

TABLE 4.4.--Continued.

 

 

 

 

1969-1970 1970-1971
Per Cent

County Number Per Centa Number Per Centa Change
Schoharie l .3 1 .2 0
Schuyler 2 .6 3 .4 50
Seneca 2 .6 5 .7 150
Steuben 5 1.5 7 1.0 40
Suffolk 2 .6 l .2 -100
Sullivan 2 .6 5 .7 150
Tioga 2 .6 S .7 150
Tompkins l .3 2 .3 100
Ulster 1 .3 4 .6 300
Warren . . . . 11 1.6 1100
Washington 1 .3 21 3.0 2000
Wayne 6 1.8 41 6.0 583
Westchester 1 .3 l .2 0
Wyoming 9 2.7 4 .6 -56
Yates . . . . 5 .7 500
Out of State 6 1.8 11 1.6 83
Total 337 100.9 687 99.0

 

aActual computed value rounded to the nearest tenth.

39

cent, Jefferson-—8.3 per cent, and St. Lawrence--8.3 per
cent in 1969-1970 and Onondaga--8.4 per cent, Lewis--6.7
per cent, Jefferson--6.3 per cent, St. Lawrence--6.3 per
cent, and Wayne--6.0 per cent in 1970-1971. The counties
with the largest increase in the per cent change were
Washington, Columbia, Warren, and Lewis with 2000, 1200,
1100, and 1050, respectively.

Table 4.5 indicates that 78.9 per cent of the
1969-1970 winter season and 75.8 per cent of the 1970-1971
winter season operators were involved in snowmobile
accidents in the county in which they reside. This
represents an increase in the per cent change of 92. In
the 1969-1970 winter season 1.8 per cent of the snowmobile
accidents involved operators from out of state and in the
1970-1971 winter season 1.6 per cent of the snowmobile
accidents involved out of state operators.

TABLE 4.5.--Distribution of Residence of Snowmobile
Operator by County of Accident.

 

1969-1970 1970-1971

 

 

 

Residence a a Pgfiagegt
Number Per Cent Number Per Cent 9

Same County 266 78.9 521 75.8 92
Other N.Y.

County 65 19.3 155 22.6 138
Out of

State 6 1.8 11 1.6 83
Total 337 100.0 687 100.0

 

aActual computed value rounded to the nearest
tenth.

40

Type of Accident.--Table 4.6 shows that in the
1969-1970 winter season 4.2 per cent of the accident
occurrences involved fatal injuries, however, in the winter
season 1970-1971 only 3.7 per cent of the accident
occurrences involved fatal injuries. Non-fatal personal
injuries accounted for 73.0 per cent of the snowmobile
accidents in the 1969-1970 winter season and 83.8 per cent
in the 1970-1971 winter season. There was a decrease in
the per cent change of 79 for fatal injuries and an increase

in per cent change of 134 for non-fatal injuries.

TABLE 4.6.--Distribution of Type of Snowmobile Accident.

 

 

 

 

1969-1970 1970-1971
Type Per Cent
Number Per Centa Number Per Centa Change
Fatal Injury 14 4.2 25 3.7 79
Non-fatal Injury 246 73.0 576 83.8 134
Property Damage 77 22.8 86 12.5 12

Total 337 100.0 687 100.0

 

aActual computed value rounded to the nearest tenth.

Region of Injury.--Table 4.7 shows that in the
1969-1970 winter season the areas of the body of snowmobile
Operators most frequently injured were the lower extremities
with 28.2 per cent and the head with 16.9 per cent, and in
the 1970-1971 winter season the areas of the body of
snowmobile operators most frequently injured were the lower

extremities with 31.2 per cent and the head with 22.1 per

41

TABLE 4.7.--Distribution of Region of Injury of Operators Involved in
Snowmobile Accidents.

 

1969-1970 1970-1971

 

 

 

Per Cent
Reg1on Number Per Centa Number Per Centa Change

Head 57 16.9 152 22.1 167
Neck 3 .9 14 2.0 367
Chest 14 4.2 44 6 4 125
Emper

Extremities 15 4.4 55 8.0 214
Back 16 4.8 36 5.2 266
Lower

Extremities 95 28.2 214 31.2 125
Combination 31 9.2 50 7.3 6
Unknown 106 31.4 122 17.8 15
Total 337 100.0 687 100.0

 

aActual computed value rounded to the nearest tenth.

cent. The area of the body that received the largest

increase in the per cent change was the neck with 367.

Type of Inju;y.--Table 4.8 indicates that the type
of injury most frequent in the 1969-1970 winter season was
the fracture with 18.1 per cent and in the 1970-1971 winter
season it was the laceration with 27.9 per cent. It also
shows that the type of injury that had the largest increase

in the per cent change was the laceration with 226.

Classification of Accident.--In both the winter
seasons the classification of accident that was most
frequent was the collision with a motor vehicle. As shown

in Table 4.9 in the winter season of 1969-1970, 46.3 per

42

TABLE 4.8.--Distribution of Type of Injury to Snowmobile Operator.

 

 

 

 

1969-1970 1970-1971 Per Cent

Type of Injury

Number Per Centa Number Per Centa Change
Fracture 61 18.1 180 26.2 195
Laceration 59 17.5 192 27.9 226
Contusion 30 8.9 97 14.1 223
Sprain 19 5.6 47 6 8 147
Concussion 9 2.7 22 3.2 144
Miscellaneous 44 13.1 19 2.7 —57
Combination 10 3.0 17 2 5 70
Unknown 105 31.2 113 16 5
Total 337 100.1 687 99.9

 

a
Actual computed value rounded to the nearest tenth.

cent of the accidents involved the motor vehicle and in the
winter season 1970-1971, 24.4 per cent of the accidents
involved the motor vehicle. However, the increase in the
per cent change for collision with a motor vehicle was

only 8 as compared to the increase in the per cent change
of overturnings which was 362. Occurrences classified as
"other" include collision with trains, going through ice,
strangulation, etc., which had a per cent change increase

of 200.

Operation at the Time of Occurrence.--Table 4.10
shows that cruising was the most common mode of operation
in both winter seasons with 62.0 per cent in 1969-1970 and
61.0 per cent in 1970-1971. The largest increase in the

per cent change is apparent in the "Sporting Events,

43

.nucmu ummumwc mnu ou ompcdou msHm> pmuomeoo Hmsuomm

 

 

 

 

H.ooa 5mm 0.00H hmm Hmuoe
oom m.m om m.m mm umnuo
cos 6. v . . . . muam
moa m.o as ~.H 4 pomhno cwmnam\coamaaaoo
mqm m.aH NNH «.0H mm pomflno umxflm\coamaaaoo
mm «.mH mm m.¢a ma mflflnoezocm\coamaflaoo
m v.4m moa m.ov mma .>.z\coamaaaoo
o m.H NH o.m NH cemumm\a0amaaaoo
Hm v.m mm m.m ma mesm Ho mcaooaxm
«mm m.aH ONH a.» om mcacusuum>o
oma m.v mm «.4 «a Who Hams

mmcmno mucwu Mom Hmnfidz mucmu umm HOQESZ cofiumoflMHmmmau ucmpfioo<
ucmo Hmm
Hamfl-oamfi osmaummma

 

.mucmpfloo¢ mafinoezocm mo coflpmowmwmmmau mo coflusnfluumfloll.m.v mamde

44

TABLE 4.lO.--Distribution of Snowmobile Accidents by Operation at the
Time of the Occurrence.

 

1969-1970 1970-1971

 

 

 

. Per Cent
Operation
Number Per Centa Number Per Centa Change
Crossing Highway 44 13.0 57 8.3 30
Cruising 209 62.0 419 61.0 100
Maneuvering 44 13.1 134 19.5 202
Towing 3 .9 18 2.6 500
Parked, Stopped 17 5.0 7 1.0 58
Starting 10 3.0 4 .6 -60
Racing, Sporting 1 .3 40 5.8 3900
Event
Overtaking 6 1.8 4 .6 33
Slowing, Stop 3 .9 . . . . -300
Unknown . . . . 4 .6 400
Total 337 100.0 687 100.0

 

aActual computed value rounded to the nearest tenth.

Racing" area of operation which was 3900. The area with
the least increase in the per cent of change was crossing

the highway with 30.

Apparent Cause or Contributing Circumstance.--
Imprudent speed and reckless driving combined were the
apparent cause or contributing circumstance for 53.4 per
cent of the population for the 1969-1970 winter season and
63.0 per cent of the 1970-1971 winter season as shown in
Table 4.11. The apparent cause or contributing circumstance
that exhibited the largest increase in the per cent change

is unfamiliarity of terrain at 1367. Lack of experience

45

.nucmu ummummc on» on pmpcsou msHm> pwusmaoo Hmsuocm

 

 

 

 

o.ooa awe o.ooa 5mm Hmuoe

m m.m mm m.m mm azoaxca
om- m. m m.m NH wammoHo 00» mcazoflfiom
eons 4.6 we m. m camuume mo Spaumaaasmmco
no- 6. a m.m NH umnuo Sb cmxmuum>o
Hm v.m mm m.m ma mocmaummxm mo xomq
mam H.a me v.~ m suaaanama> uoom
mma ~.0H on o.m am “swamaswm m>auommmo
mm- m.¢ mm a.mH mm camam op muaaamm
mmm m.mm mmm m.om on mafl>auo mmmaxomm
NH H.m~ oom m.~m OHH cmmmm unmasumeH
mmcmno ucmo mom monasz mucmu mom nmnEdz mocmumasouflu mcflunnfiuucoo

pcwu mom mmsmu ucmummmm
Hemauonmfl osmaummma

 

.mocmumesouau

mcwusnwnucoo no mmsmo ucmnmmmm ma mucmpfioo< mawnoEBOCm mo cowusnwhumwoll.aa.e mamfie

46

and imprudent speed exhibited the least increase in amount

of per cent change at 21 and 12, respectively.
Vehicle

Registration Status.--Tab1e 4.12 shows that in the
1969-1970 winter season the counties with the highest
registrations were Erie--2877, Oneida--2729, and Onondaga--
2516 and in the 1970-1971 winter season Oneida--10,096,
Onondaga--7698, and St. Lawrence--7272 were the highest.

No county decreased in the number of registrations. Rock-
land had the highest increase in per cent change and
Chautauqua had the lowest increase in per cent change at
754 and 109, respectively.

Table 4.13 indicates the status of registration of
those snowmobiles involved in accidents. In the 1969-1970
winter season 50.7 per cent of the snowmobiles were not
registered and in winter season 1970-1971 36.7 per cent
were not registered. In the 1969-1970 winter season 47.8
per cent of the snowmobiles were registered and in the
1970-1971 winter season 63.2 per cent were registered. The
per cent change for registered snowmobiles was an increase
of 108 and for unregistered snowmobiles was an increase of
47. The vehicle and traffic laws relative to snowmobile
registration for winter season 1969-1970 may be found in

Appendix D and for winter season 1970-1971 in Appendix E.

47

TABLE 4.12.--Distribution of New York Snowmobile Registration by
County.

 

 

 

 

1969-1970 1970-1971
Per Cent

County

Number Per Centa Number Per Centa Change
Albany 342 .9 2286 1.8 568
Allegany 262 .7 1044 .8 298
Broome 479 1.3 1963 1.5 310
Cattarague 768 2.0 1841 1.4 140
Cayuga 808 2.2 1751 1.3 117
Chautauqua 1034 2.8 2157 1.6 109
Chemung 157 .4 516 .4 229
Chenango 672 1.8 1946 1.5 190
Clinton 589 1.6 3683 2.8 525
Columbia 192 .5 1073 .8 459
Cortland 638 1.7 1523 1.2 139
Delaware 306 .8 1841 1.4 502
Dutchess 292 .8 1591 1.2 445
Erie 2877 7.7 6088 4.7 112
Essex 291 .8 2300 1.8 690
Franklin 536 1.4 2842 2.2 430
Fulton 614 1.6 2427 1.9 295
Genesee 377 1.0 1237 .9 228
Greene 248 .6 1334 1.0 438
Hamilton 102 .2 746 .5 631
Herkimer 1102 2.9 4084 3.1 270
Jefferson 2110 5.6 5652 4.3 168
Lewis 590 1.6 3029 2.3 413
Livingston 465 1.2 1429 1.1 207
Madison 1215 3.2 3429 2.7 186
Monroe 1749 4.6 5291 4.0 202
Montgomery 513 1.4 2280 1.7 344
Nassau 48 .1 214 .2 346
New York City 26 .1 107 .1 312
Niagara 434 1.2 1372 1.0 216
Oneida 2729 7.3 10,096 7.7 270
Onondago 2516 6.7 7693 5.9 206
Ontario 558 1.5 1698 1.3 204
Orange 155 .4 1227 .9 692
Orleans 269 .7 825 .6 207
Oswego 2121 5.7 5600 4.3 164
Otsego 459 1.2 2006 1.5 337
Putnam 52 .1 264 .2 408
Rensselaer 214 .5 1589 1.2 642
Rockland 35 .1 299 .2 754
St. Lawrence 1893 5.1 7272 5.6 284
Saratoga 680 1.8 3310 2.5 387
Schenectady 401 1.1 1732 1.3 332

48

TABLE 4.12.--Continued.

 

 

 

 

1969-1970 1970-1971
Per Cent
County
Number Per Centa Number Per Centa Change

Schoharie 372 1.0 1411 1.1 279
Schuyler 213 .5 561 .4 163
Seneca 248 .6 790 .6 218
Steuben 583 1.6 1926 1.5 230
Suffolk 42 .1 212 .1 405
Sullivan 231 .6 1460 1.1 532
Tioga 257 .7 785 .6 205
Tompkins 564 1.5 1353 1.0 140
Ulster 234 .6 1679 1.3 618
Warren 258 .7 1785 1.4 592
Washington 225 .6 1669 1.3 642
Wayne 1395 3.7 3563 2.7 155
Westchester 73 .2 428 .3 486
Wyoming 577 1.5 1502 1.2 160
Yates 173 .5 515 .3 198
Total 37,410 99.3 130,396 99.3

 

aActual computed value rounded to the nearest tenth.

49

TABLE 4.13.--Distribution of Registered Status of Snowmobiles Involved
in Accidents.

 

 

 

 

1969-1970 1970-1971
. Per Cent
Registered a Chan e

Status Number Per Cent Number Per Centa 9
Registered 161 47.8 434 63.2 107
Not Registered 171 50.7 252 36.7 47
Unknown 5 1.5 1 .2 -80
Total 337 100.0 687 100.1

 

aActual computed value rounded to the nearest tenth.

Vehicle Make.--Tab1e 4.14 shows that in both the
1969-1970 and 1970-1971 winter seasons that Ski-Doo vehicles
were most frequently involved in accidents with 47.8 per
cent and 55.2 per cent, respectively. Table 4.14 also
shows that there were eleven more makes of snowmobiles
involved in accidents in the 1970-1971 winter season than
the 1969-1970 winter season. Sno Prince, Massy Fergeson,
and Artic Cat showed the largest increase in per cent change

at 700, 700, and 495, respectively.

Horsepower.--Of the 77.2 per cent of the snow-
mobiles where horsepower information was available, as
shown in Table 4.15, 33.5 per cent were in the 17-21 range
in the 1969-1970 winter season. In 1970-1971 where 94.0
per cent of the snowmobiles had horsepower information
available, as shown in Table 4.9, 23.7 per cent were in

the 17-21 range. The 17-21 horsepower range was most

50

TABLE 4.14.--Distribution of Snowmobiles Involved in Accidents.

 

 

 

 

1969-1970 1970-1971
Per Cent
Name

Number Per Centa Number Per Centa Change
Ski Doo 161 47.8 242 35.2 50
Polaris 21 6.2 39 5.7 85
Sno-Jet 23 6.8 29 4.2 26
Moto Ski 13 3.9 43 6.3 233
AMF-Skidaddler 10 3.0 24 3.5 140
Ski Roule 11 3.3 16 2.3 46
Artic Cat 17 5.0 101 14.7 495
Scorpion 16 4.8 25 3.6 56
Fox Trac 2 .6 2 .3 O
Rupp 5 1.5 22 3.2 340
Boaski 11 3.3 13 1.9 27
Alouette 4 1.2 7 1.0 75
Evinrude 6 1.8 7 1.0 17
Yamaha 5 1.5 8 1.2 60
Sno Squire 1 .3 3 .4 50
Starcraft 3 .9 7 1.0 133
Massey Ferguson . . . . 7 1.0 700
Ariens Arrow 1 .3 5 .7 25
Northway 1 .3 3 .4 200
Wildcat 1 .3 1 .2 O
Chaparral l .3 5 .7 400
Viking . . . . 3 .4 300
Johnson 2 .6 4 .6 100
Bolens D/A . . . . 2 .3 200
Mercury . . . . 4 .6 400
Sno Prince . . . . 7 1.0 700
Sno Bug 3 .9 . . . . -3OO
Wheel Horse . . . . 2 .3 200
Yukon King 2 .6 1 .2 -100
Sno Ghia 1 .3 2 .3 100
Eskimo . . . . 2 .3 200
Home Lite . . . . 2 .3 200
Tradewinds . . . . 2 .3 200
Auto Ski . . . . 4 .6 400
Husky . . . . 2 .3 200
Auberg 4 1.2 . . . . -400
Unknown 11 3.3 38 5.5 245
Total 337 100.0 687 99.5

 

aActual computed value rounded to the nearest tenth.

51

TABLE 4.15.--Distribution of Horsepower of Snowmobiles
Involved in Accidents.

 

1969-1970 1970-1971 Per Cent
Horsepower a Change
Number Per Cent Number Per Centa

 

 

 

0-16 59 17.5 108 15.7 83
17-21 113 33.5 163 23.7 44
22-26 37 11.0 154 22.4 316
27-31 33 9.8 96 14.0 190
32-36 6 1.8 74 10.8 1103
37-41 3 .9 19 2.8 534
42-46 9 2.7 10 1.5 11
47-51 . . . . 4 .6 400
52-56 . . . . 1 .2 100
57-over . . . . 17 2.5 1700
Unknown 77 22.8 41 6.0 -47

Total 337 100.0 687 100.2

 

aActual computed value rounded to the nearest
tenth.
frequent for both winter seasons. There was a total
increase in the per cent change of 2200 for the horsepower
range of 47 and over. Alone, in the horsepower range of
S7 and over there was an increase in the per cent change of
1700. The next largest increase in the per cent change at

1103 was the horsepower range of 32-36.
Environment

County of Accident Occurrence.--Tab1e 4.16 discloses
that Onondaga, Oswego, and Oneida counties had the highest
incidence of accident occurrence with 12.5 per cent, 11.3

per cent, and 10.7 per cent, respectively for the 1969-1970

52

TABLE 4.16.--Distribution of Snowmobile Accidents by County of
Occurrence.

 

1969-1970 1970-1971 Per Cent
County a a Change
Number Per Cent Number Per Cent

 

 

 

Albany 2 .6 10 1.5 400
Allegany 3 .9 . . . . -300
Broome 3 .9 9 1.3 200
Cattaraugus 6 1.8 5 .7 -16
Cayuga 6 1.8 21 3.1 250
Chautauqua 3 .9 6 .9 100
Chemung 1 .3 . . . . -100
Chenango 3 .9 11 1.6 267
Clinton 6 1.8 16 2.3 167
Columbia . . . . 11 1.6 1100
Cortland 2 .6 5 .7 250
Delaware 1 .3 5 .7 400
Dutchess 4 1.2 11 1.6 200
Erie 12 3.6 16 2.3 33
Essex 1 .3 13 1.9 1200
Franklin 10 3.0 37 5.4 270
Fulton 1 .3 6 .9 500
Genesee 1 .3 4 .6 300
Greene 3 .9 6 .9 100
Hamilton . . . . 4 .6 400
Herkimer 8 2.4 27 3.9 238
Jefferson 24 7.1 30 4.4 25
Lewis 7 2.1 58 8.4 728
Livingston . . . 6 .9 600
Madison 16 4.8 14 2.0 -16
Monroe 8 2.4 12 1.8 50
Montgomery 4 1.2 9 1.3 125
Nassau . . . . . . . . . .
New York City . . . . . . . . . .
Niagara . . . . 4 .6 400
Oneida 36 10.7 29 4.2 -19
Onondaga 42 12.5 61 8.9 45
Ontario 3 .9 8 1.2 167
Orange 1 .3 1 .2 0
Orleans 1 .3 6 .9 500
Oswego 38 11.3 23 3.4 -38
Otsego 3 .9 3 .4 O
Putnam . . . . . . . . . .
Rensselaer 2 .6 3 .4 50
Rockland 1 .3 . . . . -100
St. Lawrence 30 8.9 45 6.6 50
Saratoga 6 1.8 18 2.6 200
Schenectady . . . . 1 .2 100

TABLE 4.16.--Continued.

53

 

 

 

 

1969-1970 1970-1971 Per Cent
County Change
Number Per Centa Number Per Centa

Schoharie 2 .6 2 .3 O
Schuyler 3 .9 3 .4 0
Seneca 2 .6 5 .7 150
Steuben 8 2.4 8 1.2 0
Suffolk . . . . . . . . .
Sullivan 3 .9 5 .7 67
Tioga 1 .3 6 .9 500
Tompkins 1 .3 3 .4 200
Ulster 1 .3 4 .6 300
Warren . . . . 19 2.8 1900
Washington 4 1.2 28 4.1 600
Wayne 5 1.5 36 5.2 620
Westchester . . . . 1 .2 100
Wyoming 7 2.1 9 1.3 28
Yates . . . . 4 .6 400
Unknown 2 .6 . . . -200
Total 337 100.6 687 100.2

 

aActual computed value rounded to the nearest tenth.

54

winter season. Table 4.10 also shows that Onodaga, Lewis,
and St. Lawrence counties had the highest incidence of
accident occurrence with 8.9 per cent, 8.4 per cent, and
6.6 per cent, respectively in the 1970-1971 winter season.
Warren, Essex, and Columbia counties show the greatest
increase in the per cent change with 1900, 1200, and 1100,
respectively. Oswego county, one with high accident
occurrence in the winter season of 1969-1970 showed a

decrease in the per cent change of 38.

Location.--Table 4.17 shows that 59.4 per cent of
the snowmobile accidents in the 1969-1970 winter season
occurred on the roadway. However, in the 1970-1971 winter
season only 40.9 per cent of the snowmobile accidents
occurred on the roadway. The largest increase in the per
cent change was the use of trails at 770. Another large
increase in the per cent change was the use of the woods at
400. The per cent change for snowmobile accidents occurring

on a lake or pond decreased 367.

Surface Condition.--Tab1e 4.18 indicates that the
road condition most common to snowmobile accidents was
smooth with 76.0 per cent for the 1969-1970 winter season
and 52.3 per cent for the 1970—1971 winter season,
respectively. The classification of "other" includes
railroad beds, ice, hill, etc., which exhibited an increase

in the per cent change of 425. The increase of the

55

TABLE 4.17.--Distribution of Location of Snowmobile Accident by
Terrain.

 

1969-1970 1970-1971 Per Cent
Terrain a a Change
Number Per Cent Number Per Cent

 

 

 

Lake or Pond 14 4.2 3 .4 -78
Woods 5 1.5 25 3.6 400
Field or Yard 99 29.4 262 38.1 164
Trail 10 3.0 87 12.7 770
Roadway 200 59.4 281 40.9 40
Unknown 9 2.6 29 4.2 250
Total 337 100.1 687 99.9

 

aActual computed value rounded to the nearest tenth.

TABLE 4.18.--Distribution of the Surface Condition of the Snowmobile
Accident Location.

 

1969-1970 1970-1971

 

 

 

Surface Per Cent
Condition Number Per Centa Number Per Centa Change
Smooth 256 76.0 359 52.3 41
Rough 65 19.3 275 40.0 323
Other 4 1.2 21 3.1 425
Unknown 12 3.6 32 4.7 116
Total 337 100.1 687 100.1

 

aActual computed value rounded to the nearest tenth.

56

per cent change for smooth surface was 40 and the increase

for the per cent change for rough surface was 323.

Week of Season.--Tab1e 4.19 shows that during the
week of December 28, 1969 to January 1, 1970, 58 snowmobile
accidents occurred which accounted for 17.2 per cent of the
total. Table 4.19 also shows that during the week of
January 17, 1971 to January 23, 1971, 66 snowmobile
accidents occurred which accounted for 9.6 per cent of the
total. The week comparable in the 1970-1971 winter season
to the week of highest frequency in the 1969-1970 winter
season (58 snowmobile accidents) included 63 snowmobile
accidents which was the second highest frequency in the
1970-1971 winter season. Table 4.19 shows that the snow-
mobile accidents in the winter season 1970-1971 started a
week later and lasted a month longer than in the winter

season 1969-1970.

Day_of Week.--Tab1e 4.20 shows that the combination
of Saturday and Sunday account for a majority of the snow-
mobile accidents with 56.4 per cent in the 1969—1970 winter
season and 54.0 per cent in the 1970-1971 winter season.
The largest increases in per cent change occurred on

Thursday and Friday with 155 and 122, respectively.

Hour of Day.--Tab1e 4.21 shows that in both winter
seasons the hour of day when snowmobile accidents were most

likely to occur is from 2:01 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. with 28.8

S7

.nucwu ummummc on» on pmocson mSHm> omusmeoo Hmsuoém

 

 

 

 

m.mm Nam o.OOH Nmm Hmuoe
m. N NHns HHns NN
m.H m OHue H -v HN
m.H m m -4 NNIH N.H H NNum NNum 0N
m.s Hm NNum HN-m v.m HH HNum mH-m NH
m.N NH 0N-m «H-m m.m NH «Hum m .m NH
N.H mm HHum N .m N.N m N -m H .m NH
o.m mm o .m mNuN m.m NH NNuN NN-N 8H
0.0 Hs NNuN HNnN H.N mN HN-N mH-N mH
H.m NN ON-N HHnN m.m NH HHuN m -N «H
H.m Nm HHuN N -N o.m NH N -N H -N NH
N.m mm m -N HmuH H.N 4N Hm-H mN-H NH
m.m mm om-H «NuH m.m mN HNnH NH-H HH
m.m so HNuH NH-H o.m NH NH-H HH-H 0H
o.m mm oHuH OH-H N.m NH 0H-H s -H m
m.H Hm m -H m -H N.NH mm m -H mN-NH N
N.m mm N -H NNuNH m.m mN NNuNH HNuNH N
H.N as oNuNH ON-NH N.m NN ONuNH HHnNH m
H.¢ mN mHuNH NHuNH v.N m NH-NH N -NH m
m.H NH NHuNH 8 -NH o.m NH o -NH om-HH v
N. m m -NH mNnHH m. H mN-HH NN-HH m
H. v mNuHH NNuHH N. H NN-HH oHnHH N
m. s HNnHH mHuHH m. H mHuHH m -HH H
MHGTU Hmm HmQESZ mTHMD much Hmm HQQESZ mmumnu
HGQESZ
HNmHuoNNH onHummmH xmmz

 

.c0mmmm mo xomz an mucooflood mHflnoszocm mo coHuanuumHonl.mH.v mqmda

58

TABLE 4.20.--Distribution of Day of Week of the Snowmobile

 

 

 

 

 

Accident.
1969-1970 1970-1971 Per Cent
Day Number Per Centa Number Per Centa Change
Saturday 84 25.0 162 23.6 93
Sunday 106 31.4 202 29.4 90
Monday 21 6.2 43 6.3 104
Tuesday 22 6.3 44 6.4 100
Wednesday 24 7.1 42 6.1 75
Thursday 40 11.9 102 14.8 155
Friday 40 11.9 89 13.0 122
Unknown 0 0.0 3 .4 300
Total 337 99.8 687 100.0
aActual computed value rounded to the nearest

tenth.

per cent in the 1969-1970 winter season and 30.3 per cent
in the 1970-1971 winter season. The hour of the day with
the largest per cent change is 5:01 A.M. to 8:00 A.M. with
1300. The period between 2:01 A.M. and 5:00 A.M. exhibits

the smallest increase in per cent change at 25.

Weather.--Table 4.22 indicates that the most
frequent weater condition during snowmobile accidents was
"clear" with 57.9 per cent in the 1969-1970 winter season.
Table 4.22 also shows that the "clear" weather condition
was the most frequent in snowmobile accidents with 70.4
per cent for the 1970-1971 winter season. The largest
increase in the per cent change was in the category "clear"

with 148. The "cloudy" classification saw a decrease in

59

.nucmu ummHmmc mnu on owocsou osHm> pmusmfioo Hmsuomm

 

 

 

 

 

N.OOH Nam N.NH Nmm Hmuoe
omm m.H NH 6. N czocxco
NN N.NH QNH N.NN NN .e.m oouHH-.s.m Houm
NNH m.mH VHH N.NH we .e.m ooum -.e.m Houm
«HH m.om NON N.NN Nm .s.m oo.m -.e.m HouN
NHH N.NH Nm m.HH o4 .e.m oouN -.e.m HouHH
6N «.4 cm o.m NH .s.m oouHH-.a.m Houm
oomH m.H NH 0 o .e.m ooum -.e.m Houm
mN m.H OH v.N m .s.m ooum -.e.m HouN
mm H.HH 6N N.¢H we .e.m oouN -.e.m HouHH

mmcmnu mucmu Mom HmnEdz mucmo mom umnfidz mafia
ucmo umm NNmH-0NaH HNmHummmH
.wmo no user an mucmpwood mawnos3ocm mo coHunnHHpmHQII.HN.v wands

60

TABLE 4.22.-—Distribution of the Weather Condition at the
Time of the Snowmobile Accident.

 

1969-1970 1970-1971 Per Cent
Weather Change

Number Per Centa Number Per Centa

 

 

 

Clear 195 57.9 484 70.4 148
Cloudy 42 12.5 4 .6 -90
Rain 10 3.0 9 1.3 -10
Snow 77 22.8 133 19.4 73
Unknown 13 3.9 57 8.3 327
Total 337 100.1 687 100.0

 

aActual computed value rounded to the nearest
tenth.
the per cent change of 90. There was also a decrease in

the per cent change for "rain" of 10.

Visibility.--Table 4.23 indicates that the visi-
bility at the time of over a majority of the accidents in
winter season 1969-1970 was "poor-dark, lighted or un-
lighted" (53.1%) and that well over a majority of the
snowmobile accidents in the 1970-1971 winter season
occurred in "good-daylight" visibility (62.7%). There was
an increase in the per cent change for "good—daylight" of
229 and a decrease in the per cent change for "poor-dark,
lighted or unlighted" of 54.

Selected Factorgof the
On-Road Sub-Group
Data from the Department of Motor Vehicles accident

report MV-104 and Office of Parks and Recreation accident

«NJ i

61

TABLE 4.23.--Distribution of Visibility at the Time of the Snowmobile
Accident.

 

1969-1970 1970-1971 Per Cent
Visibility a Change
Number Per Cent Number Per Centa

 

 

 

Good-Daylight 131 38.9 431 62.7 229
Fair-Dawn

or Dusk 24 7.1 146 21.2 509
Poor-Dark,

Lighted or

Unlighted 179 53.1 82 11.9 -54
Unknown 3 .9 27 3.9 800
Total 337 100.0 687 99.7

 

aActual computed value rounded to the nearest tenth.

report MRV-ZOZS relative to the operator, the vehicle, and
the environment pertaining to the sub-group of 200 on-road
snowmobile accidents in the winter season 1969-1970 and
281 on-road snowmobile accidents in the winter season
1970-1971 are presented in this section. The expected
increase in per cent change for each of the selected

factors in the on-road sub-group is 40.

Operator

Agg.--The age of the on-road sub-group is depicted
in Table 4.24. The ages ranged from under fourteen to over
fifty-one years. The mean, median, and mode of the age of
the on-road sub-group in the 1969-1970 winter season were
24.9 years, 22.5 years, and 17.5 years, respectively. The

mean, median, and mode of the ages for the winter season of

62

TABLE 4.24.--Distribution of On-Road Sub-Group by Age.

 

1969-1970 1970-1971 Per Cent
Years a Change
Number Per Cent Number Per Centa

 

 

 

 

 

 

0-14 15 7.5 43 15.3 186
15-20 62 31.0 90 32.0 45
21-26 45 22.5 42 15.0 -8
27-32 24 12.0 35 12.5 46
33-38 18 9.0 34 12.1 89
39-44 8 4.0 16 5.7 100
45-50 4 2.0 10 3.6 150
Sl-Over 9 4.5 9 3.2 0
Unknown 15 7.5 2 .7 -650
Total 200 100.0 281 100.1

Mean Median Mode
1969-1970 24.9 Years 22.5 Years 17.5 Years
1970-1971 23.5 Years 21.4 Years 17.5 Years
Per Cent Change 6 5 0

 

aActual computed value rounded to the nearest
tenth.

63

1970-1971 were 23.5 years, 21.4 years, and 17.5 years,
respectively. The largest increase in per cent change
occurred in the under fourteen and forty-five to fifty age
groups with 186 and 150, respectively. A decrease in the
per cent change occurred in the twenty—one to twenty-six

age group of 8.

§g§.--The sex of the on-road sub-group operator is
revealed in Table 4.25. In the winter season of 1969-1970,
8.2 per cent of the operators were female, compared with
89.0 per cent male. In the winter season of 1970-1971,
7.8 per cent of the operators were female, compared with
91.8 per cent male. This indicates an increase in the per
cent change of 45 for males and 28 for females between the
two winter seasons.

TABLE 4.25.--Distribution of On-Road Snowmobile Accident
Involvement of Operators by Sex.

 

 

 

 

Sex 1969-1970 1970-1971 Per Cent
a a Change
Number Per Cent Number Per Cent
Male 178 89.0 258 91.8 45
Female 17 8.5 22 7.8 28
Unknown 5 2.5 1 .4 -80
Total 200 100.0 281 100.0

 

aActual computed value rounded to the nearest
tenth.

64

Ownership Status.--Tab1e 4.26 reveals that 60.0 per
cent of the snowmobiles involved in on-road accidents were
owned by the operator in the 1969-1970 winter season. This
compares with 50.5 per cent of the snowmobiles that were
involved in on-road accidents were owned by the operator in
the winter season 1970-1971. In the winter season 1969-
1970, 37.0 per cent of the snowmobiles were not owned by the
operator and in the 1970-1971 winter season 44.8 per cent
of the snowmobiles were not owned by the operator. The
increase in the per cent change for ownership was 18 and
for lack of ownership was 70.

TABLE 4.26.--Distribution of Ownership Status of Snowmobiles
Involved in On-Road Accidents.

 

1969-1970 1970-1971

 

 

 

Ownership Per Cent

Status Number Per Centa Number Per Centa Change
Owned 120 60.0 142 50.5 18
Not Owned 74 37.0 126 44.8 70
Unknown 6 3.0 13 4.6 116
Total 200 100.0 281 99.9

 

aActual computed value rounded to the nearest
tenth.

Residence of Operators.--Table 4.27 shows the
number and per cent of snowmobile operators involved in on-
road accidents by county of residence. In the winter
season of 1969-1970 Oneida, Oswego, St. Lawrence, and

Jefferson counties had the highest frequency of residents

65

TABLE 4.27.-~Distribution of Snowmobile Operators Involved in On-Road
Accidents by County of Residence.

 

 

 

 

1969-1970 1970-1971 Per Cent
County Change
Number Per Centa Number Per Cent

Albany 1 .5 1 .4 O
Allegany 1 .5 1 .4 O
Broome 1 .5 3 1.1 200
Cattaragus 2 1.0 2 .7 O
Cayuga 8 4.0 6 2.1 ~25
Chautauqua 3 1.5 4 1.4 33
Chemung 3 1.5 1 .4 ~67
Chenango . . . . 4 1.4 400
Clinton 4 2.0 10 3.6 150
Columbia . . . . 5 1.8 500
Cortland 1 .5 5 1.8 400
Deleware 1 .5 3 1.1 200
Dutchess 2 1.0 4 1.4 100
Erie 9 4.5 8 2.8 ~11
Essex 1 .5 5 1.8 400
Franklin 7 3.5 11 3.9 57
Fulton . . . . 2 .7 200
Genesee . . . . 4 1.4 400
Greene 2 1.0 4 1.4 100
Hamilton . . . . 1 .4 100
Herkimer 5 2.5 6 2.1 20
Jefferson 15 7.5 19 6.8 27
Lewis 4 2.0 20 7.1 400
Livingston l .5 3 1.0 200
Madison 11 5.5 7 2.5 ~36
Monroe 1 .S 9 3.2 800
Montgomery 3 1.5 5 1.8 66
Nassau 1 .5 . . . . ~1OO
New York City 1 .5 . . . . ~lOO
Niagara . . . . 2 .7 200
Oneida 29 14.5 22 7.8 24
Onondaga 12 6.0 15 5.3 25
Ontario 2 1.0 2 .7 0
Orange 2 1.0 2 .7 0
Orleans 1 .5 1 .4 0
Oswego 17 8.5 17 6.0 0
Otsego 3 1.5 3 1.0 0
Putnam . . . . 2 .7 200
Rensselaer 2 1.0 3 1.0 50
Rockland . . . . 1 .4 100
St. Lawrence 17 8.5 19 6.8 12
Saratoga 4 2.0 2 .7 ~50
Schenectady . . . . l .4 100

66

TABLE 4.27.--Continued.

 

1969-1970 1970-1971 Per Cent
County a a Change
Number Per Cent Number Per Cent

 

 

 

Schoharie . . . . . . . . . .
Schuyler 2 1.0 1 .4 ~50
Seneca 2 1.0 . . . . ~200
Steuben 1 .5 2 .7 100
Suffolk . . . . . . . . . .
Sullivan 2 1.0 .7 O
Tioga 1 .5 1 .4 O
Tompkins 1 .5 . . . . ~100
Ulster 1 .5 1 .4 0
Warren . . . . 6 2.1 600
Washington . . . . 5 1.8 500
Wayne 4 2.0 9 3.2 125
Westchester 1 .5 . . . . ~100
Wyoming 5 2.5 1 .4 ~400
Yates . . . . 4 1.4 400
Out of State 3 1.5 2 .7 ~33
Total 200 100.0 281 99.3

 

aActual computed value rounded to the nearest tenth.

67

involved in on~road snowmobile accidents with 29, 17, 17,
and 15, respectively. Oneida, Lewis, Jefferson, and St.
Lawrence counties had the highest frequency of residents
involved in on~road snowmobile accidents in the winter
season of 1970-1971 with 22, 20, 19, and 19, respectively.
The counties with the largest increase in the per cent
change were Monroe-800, Warren-600, Columbia-500, and
Washington-500. Wyoming county experienced a decrease in
the per cent change of 400.

Table 4.28 depicts the number of per cent of the
on~road snowmobile operators involved in accidents that
occurred in the county of their residence. In the winter
season of 1969-1970, 78.0 per cent of the operators and in
the winter season of 1970-1971 75.4 per cent of the
operators were accidents involved in the county of their
residence. This represents an increase in the per cent
change of 28. One and five tenths per cent of the 1969-
1970 winter season and eight tenths per cent of the 1970~

1971 winter season involved operators from out of state.

Type of Accident.~-The type of snowmobile accident
most frequent in on~road occurrences is the nonfatal injury
accident with 66.0 per cent in winter season 1969-1970 and
77.9 per cent in winter season 1970-1971, as shown in
Table 4.29. In each of the winter seasons, eleven snow-

mobile accidents involved fatal injuries. There was no

68

TABLE 4.28.-~Distribution of Residence of Snowmobile Operators
Involved in On-Road Accidents by County of Occurrence.

 

1969-1970 1970-1971 Per Cent
Residence a Change
Number Per Cent Number Per Centa

 

 

 

Same County 156 78.0 212 75.4 28
Other N.Y.

County 41 20.5 67 23.8 63
Out of State 3 1.5 2 .8 33
Total 200 100.0 281 100.0

 

a
Actual computed value rounded to the nearest tenth.

TABLE 4.29.--Distribution of Type of On-Road Snowmobile Accident.

 

 

 

 

1969-1970 1970-1971
Per Cent
Type a a Change
Number Per Cent Number Per Cent
Fatal Injury 11 5.5 11 3.9 O
Nonfatal Injury 132 66.0 219 77.9 66
Property Damage 57 28.5 51 18.2 12
Total 200 100.0 281 100.0

 

aActual computed value rounded to the nearest tenth.

69

increase in the per cent change for fatal injuries and an

increase in nonfatal injuries of 66 per cent change.

Region of Injury.~~Table 4.30 shows that the areas
of the body of snowmobile operators most frequently injured
in on~road snowmobile accidents in both winter seasons were
the lower extremities (25.0 per cent in winter season 1969-
1970 and 27.4 per cent in winter season 1970—1971). The
areas of the body that received the largest increase in the
per cent change were the neck with 300 and the chest with

250.

TABLE 4.30.-~Distribution of Region of Injury of Operators Involved in
On-Road Snowmobile Accidents.

 

1969-1970 1970-1971

 

 

 

, Per Cent
Region a a Change
Number Per Cent Number Per Cent
Head 33 16.5 63 22.4 91
Neck 1 .5 4 1.4 300
Chest 6 3.0 21 7.5 180
Upper
Extremities 7 3.5 19 6.8 250
Back 5 2.5 14 5.0 172
Lower
Extremities 50 25.0 77 27.4 54
Combinations 23 11.5 23 8.2 0
Unknown 75 37.5 60 21.4 ~20
Total 200 100.0 281 100.1

 

aActual computed value rounded to the nearest tenth.

70

Type of Injury.~~Tab1e 4.31 shows that in the winter
season of 1969-1970 the type of injury most frequently
encountered in on~road snowmobile accidents was the fracture
at 14.0 per cent and the laceration at 14.0 per cent.

Table 4.31 also shows that in the winter season of 1970-
1971 the type of injury most frequently encountered in on-
road snowmobile accidents was the fracture at 29.2 per cent.
The type of injury with the largest increase in the per
cent change was the fracture with 193. Contusion was the
type of injury which had the least amount of increase at

64.

TABLE 4.3l.--Distribution of Type of Injury to Snowmobile Operators in
On-Road Accidents.

 

 

 

 

Type of 1969-1970 1970-1971 Per Cent

Injury Number Per Centa Number Per Centa Change
Fracture 28 14.0 82 29.2 193
Laceration 28 14.0 59 21.0 110
Contusion 22 11.0 36 12.8 64
Sprain 8 4.0 19 6.8 137
Concussion 7 3.5 12 4.3 72
Miscellaneous 25 12.5 9 3.2 ~64
Combination 8 4.0 5 1.8 ~38
Unknown 74 37.0 59 21.0 ~21
Total 200 100.0 281 100.1

 

a
Actual computed value rounded to the nearest tenth.

71

Classification of Accident.-~Table 4.32 indicates
that 71.5 per cent of the on~road snowmobile accidents
involved collision with a motor vehicle in the winter
season of 1969-1970 and in the winter season 1970-1971 only
53.7 per cent of the on~road snowmobile accidents involved
a collision with a motor vehicle. Those figures for
collision with a motor vehicle yield an increase in per
cent change of only 6. Large increases in the per cent
change are found in the classifications of "overturning"~~
650, "collision with hidden object"-~500, and "collision
with fixed object"~~400. The classification of "skidding
or bump" had a decrease in per cent change of 20.

Table 4.33 shows the classification of the on~road
snowmobile accidents as it relates to the kind of operation
at the time of the accident. The operation at the time of
the accident was divided into operations permitted on~road
by the Harris Bill (crossing the highway) and operations
prohibited on~road by the Harris Bill (cruising, maneuvering,
towing, parked, stopped, starting, racing, sporting event,
overtaking, and slowing). In operations both permitted and
prohibited on~road by the Harris Bill, the classification
of collision with a motor vehicle was not prevalent. Of
the snowmobiles involved in accidents while crossing the
highway (permitted operation by the Harris Bill) 95.2 per
cent were in collision with a motor vehicle in the 1969-
1970 winter season and 92.1 per cent in the 1970-1971 winter

season. Of the snowmobiles involved in accidents while

 

 

72

.nucmu ammumm: on» on popcsou msHm> pmusmEoo Hmsuodm

 

 

 

 

N.NN HNN N.NNH NON Hmuoa
oom o.N NH o.N N umnuo
. . . . . . . . . . muHm
oom N.H N . . . . nomnno cmoon\conHHHoo
NON N.N NN N.N N nommno omme\aonHHHoo
NN N.NH NN N.NH NN mHHnoazocm\conHHHoo
N N.NN HNH N.HN NNH mHoHnm> Houoz\:onHHHoo
NNH N.N N N.H N cemummxconHHHoo
NN- N.N N N.N NH mesa no NcHoonN
NNN N.NH om o.N N Nchnsuum>o
o N. N o.H N Hmo HHmm

“C00 Hmm HGQEDZ #GTU Hmm MODES—A
umwmmmwm N N :oHumonHmmmHo ucmoHooa

HhmHIOBmH

onmalmoma

 

.mucmoHooa mHHnoszoam omomuco mo coHumoHuHmmmHo mo coHuanuumHouu.NN.N mHmaa

 

HJQU-U HaruIHAV.— ah.JréaW-~.enurJ kira Fu$¢al-u|

73

.pmounco pmmHQHnoum mcHonm .mcmeuuo>o .ucm>m vcHuuomm .mcHomu
.mcHuumum .omamoum .poxumm .mcHsou .mcHum>swcms .mchHsuoll>mzann mcwmmouo umwoxw @cHnumum>mo

.amaann mchmouO

n

.cucmu ammummc map on popcsou 05Hm> pwusmeoo Hmsuodm

 

 

H.00H omm m.mm mmH 0.00H Hm 0.00H mv Hmuoa
0mm v.5 NH H.m m 00H.. v.m H umnuo
00m N.N m .. .. .. .. .. .. .. uumhflo CTUUHE
\conHHHoo

mmm m.OH mm m.~ v 00H.. .. .. v.m H pomflno omme
\COHmHHHou

mm N.mH om o.bH hm .. .. .. .. .. mHHnoe3ocm
\conHHHoo

0 «.mV vOH m.mo VOH om H.Nm Nv «.mm mm mHoHnm> Houoz
\conHHHoo

no m.m m m.H m oom m.m N .. .. cOmumm
\QOHmHHHOO
om: o.m N m.@ 0H 00H o.m H .. .. pme
mum o.mH mm m.m v 00H o.m H .. .. cusuum>o
o m. N ~.H m o o. o o. o mmo HHom

mmcmnu mw * mm x mmcmno aw t aw x

ucou mom HNmHIONmH osmHlmmmH ucmu Mom HhmHnobmH OhmHummmH coHuooHMHmmmHO

 

coHumHomO nouHQHnoum

 

coHumummo pmquEHom

 

.HHHm mHuumm on» wn ooanHnoum no

pwuuHEhmm coHumummO an mucmoHood QHHQOEzocm poomlco mo coHumoHMHmmmHo mo coHuanuumHoll.mm.v mqm¢a

'(J

74

operating on~road in a manner other than crossing the road
(prohibited operation by the Harris Bill) 65.3 per cent
were in collision with a motor vehicle in the 1969—1970
winter season and 45.2 per cent in the 1970-1971 winter
season. The classification of accident, collision with a
motor vehicle, which occurred during an operation permitted
on~road by the Harris Bill had an increase in per cent
change of 20. The classification of accident, collision
with a motor vehicle, which occurred during an operation
prohibited on~road by the Harris Bill had no increase in
per cent change. The classifications of accidents over~
turn, collision with a fixed object, and collision with a
hidden object while in operation prohibited on~road by the
Harris Bill had large increases in per cent change of 575,

525, and 500, respectively.

Operation at the Time of Occurrence.~~Table 4.34
reveals that the action of crossing the highway which was
permitted in both winter seasons was the operation at the
time of occurrence in 20.5 per cent of the accidents in
winter season 1969-1970 and 18.2 per cent in winter season
1970-1971. The actions of crusing, maneuvering, towing,
parked-stopped, starting, racing-sporting event, overtaking,
and slowing-stop were permitted on~road during the 1969-
1970 winter season but were prohibited on~road by the
enactment of the Harris Bill in the 1970-1971 winter

season. The combination of the preceding listed actions

75

.cucmu ummnmmc may on popcsou msHm> pmusQEoo Hmsuodm

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.00H HNN 0.00H OON Hmuoe

NO N.HN ONN N.ON ONH Hmuoa paw
oom b. m . . . . c3ocxco
ooml . . . . m.H m moum .mcH30Hm
ON- N. N N.H N Nameuum>o
OOHH O.N HH . . . . pcm>m NcHuuomm .mcHon
O O.H O O.N O mcHuumum
NN- H.N N O.N OH Ommmoum .omxumm
OOH N. N N. H OcHzoO
mm m.mH mm m.OH mm mcHum>5mcmz
NO O.NN ONH N.NN NOH mchHsno
omomIGOInHHHm mHuHmm

Na OmanHnouN coHuo«

ON N.NH HN N.ON HO mmzsmHm Nchmouo
omomncounHHHm mHuumm

an omuuHsumm coHuoa

mucmu mom Hmnfisz mucmo mom nmnEsz
mmcmnu coHumnmmo
ucmo umm HNNH-ONNH ONNHumNNH

 

.HHHm mHuumm on» an pmanHnoum no pmuuHEHmm coHuom an mononusooo msu mo
mEHB 05» um coHumummo an mucmpHoom mHHnoesocm pMOMIco mo GOHuanuvaall.Om.O mnmde

4C".

.,
5"
Ha!

(I)

O‘,

76

accounted for 79.5 per cent of the on~road accidents in
the 1969-1970 winter season and 81.8 per cent in the 1970-
1971 winter season. The increase in per cent change for
action permitted on~road by the Harris Bill, crossing the
highway, was 24. The increase in per cent change for all
actions prohibited on~road by the Harris Bill, cruising,
maneuvering, towing, parked-stopped, starting, racing~

sporting event, overtaking, and slowing-stop, was 45.

Apparent Cause or Contributing Circumstance.~~
Table 4.35 shows that the contributing circumstance or
apparent cause that exhibited the most frequency in both
winter seasons was "imprudent speed" (31.0 per cent in
1969-1970 winter season and 32.0 per cent in 1970-1971
winter season). In the 1969-1970 winter season "failure to
yield" had the second highest frequency, 24.5 per cent
while in the 1970-1971 winter season "reckless driving" had
the second highest frequency, 25.3 per cent. "Unfamiliarity
of terrain" and "poor visibility" had the largest increases
in per cent change with 700 and 300, respectively. "Failure

to yield" exhibited a decrease in the per cent change of 39.
Vehicle

Registration Status.-~During both winter seasons,
more than half the snowmobiles involved in on~road snow-
mobile accidents were registered. Table 4.36 shows that

53.5 per cent were registered in the 1969-1970 winter

77

.nucou amoummc man 0» popcsou wsHm> pmusmfioo Hmsuodo

 

 

 

 

0.00H Hmm 0.00H oom Hmuoe
Hm: o.m vH m.m NH csocxca
0mm: N. m N.N N NHmmoHO ooe mcHsoHHom
OON m.m N . . . . chuumB mo NanmHHHEomcD
oomu N. m 0.0 m nonuo an cmxounm>o
om: O.H v o.m m mocmHuomxm mo xomq
OON O.HH NN O.O N NuHHHnHmH> uooo
00H 0.0H mm O.N OH ucoEmstm m>Huoomon
mm: o.HH Hm m.vm mv onHN 0» ousHHmm
OOH N.NN HN N.OH NN mcH>Huo mNonoom
mo O.Nm om o.Hm mo ooomm ucmosumsH
omcmno mucmu mom uoassz mucmu Hod Hwnadz mocmumssoHHO mcHuonHuucou
so no no omcm Cowman
u o N HNNH-ONNH ONOHumomH o o «

 

. mOGMUmSUHflU

mcHuanuucoo no mmdou ucmummmd an mucmpHoo< OHHQOE3ocm cmomlco mo coHuanuumHoll.mm.v mamme

78

TABLE 4.36.-~Distribution of Registration Status of Snowmobiles
Involved in On-Road Accidents.

 

Registration 1969-1970 1970-1971 Per Cent
Status a a Change
Number Per Cent Number Per Cent

 

 

 

Registered 107 53.5 170 60.5 59
Not Registered 91 45.5 111 39.5 22
Unknown 2 1.0 O 0.0 ~200
Total 200 100.0 281 100.0

 

a
Actual computed value rounded to the nearest tenth.

season and that 60.5 per cent were registered in the 1970-
1971 winter season. Conversely, 45.5 per cent were not
registered in the 1969-1970 winter season and 39.5 per cent
were not registered in the 1970-1971 winter season. The
increase in the per cent change for registered snowmobiles

was 59 and for unregistered snowmobiles was 22.

Vehicle Make.~~Table 4.37 reveals that in both the
1969-1970 and 1970-1971 winter seasons the Ski-Doo was the
snowmobile most frequently involved in on~road accidents
with 48.0 per cent and 30.6 per cent, respectively. There
were twelve additional makes involved in on~road snow—
mobile accidents in 1970-1971 than in 1969—1970. Rupp and
Artic Cat snowmobile makes showed the largest increase in

the per cent change with 600 and 450, respectively.

Horsepower.~~The range of horsepower that was most

prevalent in both the 1969-1970 winter season and 1970-1971

79

TABLE 4.37.--Distribution of Make of Snowmobile Involved in On-Road

 

 

 

 

Accidents.
1969-1970 1970-1971 Per Cent
Name
Number Per Centa Number Per Centa Change

Ski D00 96 48.0 86 30.6 10
Polaris 12 6.0 19 6.8 58
Snojet 15 7.5 7 2.5 ~53
MotoSki 11 5.5 22 7.8 100
AMP 7 3.5 11 3.9 57
Ski Roule 10 4.9 8 2.9 ~20
Artic Cat 8 4.9 44 15.7 450
Scorpion 9 4.5 10 3.6 11
Fox Trac l .5 1 .4 O
Rupp l .5 7 2.5 50
Boaski 6 3.0 6 2.1 0
Alouette 2 1.0 3 1.0 33
Evinrude 4 2.0 4 1.4 0
Yamaha 3 1.5 4 1.4 O
Sno Squire .. .. 2 .7 200
Starcraft 2 1.0 1 .4 ~100
Massey Ferguson .. .. 2 .4 400
Ariens Arrow .. .. .. .. O
Northway 1 .5 1 .4 O
Wildcat .. .. l .4 100
Chaparral 1 .5 2 .7 100
Viking .. .. l .4 100
Johnson 1 .5 2 .7 100
Bolerns D/A .. .. 2 .7 200
Mercury .. .. 2 .7 200
Sno Prince .. .. 4 1.4 400
Sno Bug 3 1.5 .. .. ~3OO
Wheel Horse .. .. 2 .7 200
Yukon King 1 .5 2 .7 100
Sno Ghia .. .. .. .. ..
Eskimo .. .. 2 .7 100
Homelite .. .. l .4 100
Tradewinds .. .. 2 .7 200
Auto Ski .. .. 1 .4 100
Husky .. .. 1 .4 100
Auberg 2 1.0 .. .. ~200
Unknown 3 1.5 15 5.3 433
Total 200 100.3 281 99.2

 

aActual computed value rounded to the nearest tenth.

80

winter season in on~road snowmobile accidents was 17~21 as
is shown in Table 4.38. Thirty-four and five tenths per
cent of the 1969-1970 winter season snowmobiles were in the
17-21 range and 24.2 per cent of the 1970-1971 winter
season snowmobiles were in the l7-21 range. This consti-
tuted a decrease in the per cent change of one for the
17-21 horse power range. The largest increase in the per
cent change existed in the 32—36 horsepower range with 650.

TABLE 4.38.-~Distribution of Horsepower of Snowmobiles
Involved in On-Road Accidents.

 

1969-1970 1970-1971 Per Cent
Horsepower a a Change
Number Per Cent Number Per Cent

 

 

 

0~16 33 16.5 45 16.0 36
17-21 69 34.5 68 24.2 ~1
22-26 22 11.0 67 23.8 205
27-31 18 9.0 39 13.9 117
32-36 4 2.0 30 10.7 650
37-41 1 .5 7 2.5 600
42-46 7 3.5 2 .7 ~250
47-51 6 3.0 3 1.1 ~100
52-56 .. .. .. .. ..
57~Over .. .. 3 1.1 300
Unknown 40 20.0 17 6.0 ~l35
Total 200 100.0 281 100.0

 

aActual computed value rounded to the nearest
tenth.

81

Environment

Counpy_of Accident Occurrence.~~Oneida, Oswego,
Onondaga, and St. Lawrence counties had the highest
frequency of on~road snowmobile accident occurrence (13.0%,
9.5%, 9.0%, and 9.0%, respectively) in the winter season
1969-1970, as is shown in Table 4.39. In the winter season
1970-1971 Lewis, Oneida, Onandage, and St. Lawrence
counties had the highest frequency of on~road snowmobile
accidents with 9.2 per cent, 6.8 per cent, 6.4 per cent,
and 6.4 per cent, respectively, as shown in Table 4.22.
Oswego one of the counties with highest frequency in 1969-
1970 evidence a decrease in the per cent change of 58.

The counties with the largest increases in the per cent

change were Warren at 900 and Chenango at 600.

Location.~~Because this is the on~road sub-group,
the location of all the accidents of both winter seasons
was on the roadway. The on~road sub—group for the 1969-
1970 winter season consisted of 200 accidents and for the
1970-1971 winter season consisted of 281 accidents. This
is indicative of an increase in the per cent change of 40

as is shown in Table 4.17.

Surface Conditions.-~Table 4.40 indicates that
91.5 per cent of the on~road snowmobile accidents in the
1969-1970 winter season occurred on a smooth surface

condition and that 54.8 per cent of the 1970-1971 winter

 

.n

V

«(V fl.v

FE

vel-

.0

82

TABLE 4.39.~~Distribution of On-Road Snowmobile Accidents by County of

 

 

 

 

Occurrence.
1969-1970 1970-1971 Per Cent
County a a Change
Number Per Cent Number Per Cent

Albany 1 .5 1 .4 0
Allegany l .5 .. .. ~100
Broome .. .. 1 .4 100
Cattaraugus 2 1.0 2 .7 0
Cayuga 5 2.5 9 3.2 80
Chautauqua 3 1.5 4 1.4 33
Chemung l .5 .. .. ~100
Chenango l .5 7 2.5 600
Clinton 4 2.0 12 4.3 200
Columbia .. .. 5 1.8 500
Cortland 1 .5 3 1.1 200
Deleware 1 .5 2 .7 100
Dutchess 2 1.0 4 1.4 100
Erie 10 5.0 7 2.5 ~43
Essex 1 .5 6 2.1 500
Franklin 7 3.5 15 5.3 114
Fulton l .5 2 .7 100
Genesee .. .. 3 1.1 300
Greene 2 1.0 4 1.4 100
Hamilton .. .. 2 .7 200
Herkimer 3.5 17 6.0 143
Jefferson 12 6.0 14 5.0 17
Lewis 7 3.5 26 9.2 271
Livingston .. .. 3 1.1 300
Madison 11 5.5 6 2.1 ~83
Monroe 1 .5 6 2.1 500
Montgomery 3 1.5 l .4 ~200
Nassau .. .. .. .. ..
New York City .. .. .. .. ..
Niagara .. .. 3 1.1 300
Oneida 26 13.0 19 6.8 ~37
Onondaga 18 9.0 18 6.4 0
Ontario 1 .5 3 1.1 200
Orange 1 .5 1 .4 0
Orleans 1 .5 1 .4 0
Oswego 19 9.5 12 4.3 ~58
Otsego 3 1.5 3 1.1 O
Putnam .. .. .. .. ..
Rensselaer 2 1.0 2 .7 0
Rockland .. .. .. .. ..
St. Lawrence 8 9.0 8 6.4 O
Saratoga 3 1.5 4 1.4 33
Schenectady .. .. 1 .4 100

83

TABLE 4.39.--Continued.

 

 

 

 

1969-1970 1970-1971 Per Cent
County
Change
Number Per Centa Number Per Centa

Schoharie .. .. .. .. ..
Schuyler 3 1.5 l .4 ~200
Seneca 2 1.0 .. .. ~200
Steuben 3 1.5 2 .7 ~100
Suffolk .. .. .. .. ..
Sullivan 2 1.0 3 1.1 50
Tioga 1 .5 2 .7 100
Tompkins 1 .5 1 .4 O
Ulster 1 .5 l .4 0
Warren .. .. 9 3.2 900
Washington 2 1.0 4 1.4 100
Wayne 4 2.0 4 1.4 O
Westchester .. .. .. .. ..
Wyoming 4 2.0 4 1.4 0
Yates .. .. 3 1.1 300
Unknown 1 .5 .. .. ~100
Total 200 100.0 281 100.3

 

aActual computed value rounded to the nearest tenth.

84

TABLE 4.40.~~Distribution of Surface Condition of On-Road
Snowmobile Accident Location.

 

 

 

 

Surface 1969-1970 1970-1971 Per Cent
Condition Number Per Centa Number Per Centa Change
Smooth 183 91.5 154 54.8 ~158
Rough 16 8.0 97 37.5 512
Other 15 5.3 1500
Unknown 1 .5 15 5.3 1400
Total 200 100.0 281 100.0

 

aActual computed value rounded to the nearest
tenth.
season snowmobile accidents occurred on a smooth surface
condition. The decrease in number from 183 in 1969-1970
to 154 in 1970-1971 represents a decrease in per cent
change of 19. The increase in the per cent change for

rough surface condition was 512.

Week of Season.~~Table 4.41 indicates that the week
of the season in which most snowmobile accidents occurred
in the 1969-1970 winter season was December 28, 1969 to
January 3, 1970 with 25.5 per cent of the accidents. The
week with the second highest frequency was January 18, 1970
to January 24, 1970 with 11.5 per cent. The week of the
season with the highest frequency in the 1970-1971 winter
season was February 28, 1971 to March 6, 1971 with 11.7
per cent. The weeks of December 20, 1970 to December 26,

1970 and December 27, 1970 to January 2, 1971, each with

85

.nucmu umouomc on» 0» pmocaou osHo> pmusmeoo Hmsuo4o

 

 

 

 

N.NN HNN O.OOH OON HNooN
v. H NHIO HHIv NN
H.H N OH-O O -O HN
.. .. N -O NNuN .. .. NN-N NN-N ON
N.N O NN-N HNnN O.N O HN-N NH-N NH
N.O NH ON-N OHuN N.H N OH-N N -N NH
N.N NH NHIN N -N O.N O N -N H -N NH
N.HH NN N -N NN-N N.H N NN-N NN-N NH
N.O NH NN-N HN-N N.N NH HN-N NH-N NH
H.N ON ON-N OH-N N.N N OH-N N -N OH
N.N OH NHuN N -N O.N O N -N H -N NH
N.O NH O -N HN-H N.N NH HN-H NN-H NH
N.N NH ON-H ON-H N.HH NN ON-H NH-H HH
O.OH NN NNnH NH-H O.N OH NH-H HHuH OH
N.N NH NH-H OH-H N.N NH OH-H O -H N
N.N OH O -H N -H N.NN HN N -H NNuNH N
N.OH NN N -H NNuNH N.N NH NNnNH HNuNH N
N.OH NN NNuNH ONuNH N.N NH ON-NH OHnNH N
O.N OH NHuNH NH-NH O.N N NH-NH N -NH N
O.H O NHuNH N -NH O.N N O -NH ONuHH O
N. N N -NH NNuHH N. H NNuHH NNnHH N
O. H NNnHH NNnHH .. .. NNuHH NHIHH N
.. .. HNuHH NHuHH N. H NHuHH NHuHH H
MUcmu H0“ HQQEHHZ mmuma MUCmU Hmm ngz mwflma Hmnflaz
HNNH-ONNH ONNHuNNNH Hooz

 

.c0mowm mo x003 an mucmoHoo< mHHQOE3ocm UMOMIGO mo coHuanHumHoII.Hv.O mHmma

86

10.3 per cent, had the second highest frequency in the

1970-1971 season.

Day of Week.~~The combination of Saturday and
Sunday in both winter seasons accounted for most of the
on~road snowmobile accidents (50.0 per cent in 1969-1970
and 47.5 per cent in 1970-1971) as shown in Table 4.42.
Thursday accounted for the largest increase in per cent
change with 92 while Wednesday accounted for the least
increase in per cent change with 6.

TABLE 4.42.-~Distribution of Day of Week of On-Road Snow~
mobile Accidents.

 

 

 

 

1969-1970 1970-1971 Per Cent
Day Number Per Centa Number Per Centa Change
Saturday 44 22.0 65 23.1 48
Sunday 56 28.0 69 24.6 23
Monday 15 7.5 20 7.1 33
Tuesday 15 7.5 19 6.8 26
Wednesday 18 9.0 19 6.8 6
Thursday 26 13.0 50 17.8 92
Friday 26 13.0 38 13.5 46
Unknown 0 0.0 1 .4 100
Total 200 100.0 281 100.1

 

aActual computed value rounded to the nearest
tenth.

Hour of Day.~~The hours in the day when most on-
road snowmobile accidents occurred, as shown by Table 4.43,
in both the 1969-1970 and 1970-1971 winter seasons was

2:01 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. with 28.0 per cent and 29.2 per cent,

87

.nucmu ummnmmc on» on omocsou wsHm> omusmeoo Hmsuo<o

 

 

 

 

 

N.NN HNN 0.00H OON Hmuoe
OON N.N N .. .. azocxco
NH O.NH NO O.NN OO .a.o OOHHH-.E.o HO.N
NN O.NH NO N.NH NN .e.o OOuN -.a.o HO.N
NO N.NN NN O.NN NN .e.o OOuN -.a.N HO.N
ON N.OH OO N.NH NN .a.m OO.N -.e.N HOHHH
NN N.N NH N.O N .e.m OO.HH-.E.N HO”N
OON H.N N .. .. .a.m OO.N -.e.m HO.N
O N.N N N.N N .E.N OO.N -.a.m HouN
NH N.OH NN O.NH NN .e.m OO.N -.s.m HO.HH
mmcmnu mucwo Hmm HOQEHHZ mquU Hmm Hwflfidz
ucmu How mEHa
HNNH-ONNH ONNH-NNNH
.mma mo Hsom an mucmpHood mHHQOE3ocm omomnco mo coHuanHumHaun.mv.v MHm<B

88

respectively. The time period of 5:01 A.M. to 8:00 A.M.

accounted for the largest increase in the per cent change

with 600.

Weather.~~Table 4.44 indicates that "clear" weather
was the condition most frequent in on~road snowmobile
accidents in 1969-1970 with 57.5 per cent and in 1970-1971
with 65.1 per cent, respectively. The increase in per cent
change for "clear" weather was 59. The weather condition
of "cloudy" exhibited a decrease in per cent change of 96.

TABLE 4.44.~~Distribution of Weather Conditions at the Time
of the On-Road Snowmobile Accident.

 

1969-1970 1970-1971

 

 

 

Weather Per Cent
Number Per Centa Number Per Centa Change

Clear 115 57.5 183 65.1 59
Cloudy 27 13.5 1 .4 ~96
Rain 4 2.0 4 1.4 0
Snow 53 26.5 65 23.1 23
Unknown 1 .5 28 10.0 2600
Total 200 100.0 281 100.0

 

aActual computed value rounded to the nearest
tenth.

Visibility.~~Tab1e 4.45 reveals that over half the
on~road snowmobile accidents in the 1969-1970 winter
season occurred in visibility conditions classified as
"poor-dark, lighted, or unlighted" (53.5%) and that over

half the on~road snowmobile accidents in the winter season

89

TABLE 4.45.--Distribution of Visibility at the Time of the On-Road
Snowmobile Accident.

 

 

 

 

1969-1970 1970-1971
. . . . Per Cent
ViSibility
Number Per Centa Number Per Centa Change

Good-Daylight 78 39.0 159 56.6 104
Fair-Dawn

or Dusk 13 6.5 58 20.6 344
Poor-Dark,

Lighted or

Unlighted 107 53.5 51 18.2 ~52
Unknown 2 1.0 13 4.6 5500
Total 200 100.0 281 100.0

 

aActual computed value rounded to the nearest tenth.

of 1970-1971 occurred in "good-daylight" visibility con-
ditions (56.6%). The difference between the number of
occurrences in the "good-daylight" condition represents an
increase in the per cent change of 104. The difference in
the number of occurrences in the "poor-dark, lighted or
unlighted" condition represents a decrease in the per cent
change of 52.
Selected Factor§_pf the
Off-Road Sub-Group

Data from the Department of Motor Vehicles accident
report MV~104 and Office of Parks and Recreation accident
report MRV~2028 relative to the operator, the vehicle, and
the environment pertaining to the sub—group of 137 off—road
snowmobile accidents in the winter season of 1969-1970 and

406 off-road snowmobile accidents in the winter season

90

1970-1971 are presented in this section. The expected
increase in per cent change for each of the selected

factors in the off-road sub-group is 195.
Operator

Agg.~~Table 4.46 reveals the distribution of the
off-road sub-group by age. The ages ranged from under
fourteen to over fifty-one years. The mean, median, and
mode of the ages are 26.1 years, 26.0 years, and 17.5 years,
respectively for the 1969-1970 winter season. For the
1970-1971 winter season the mean age is 26.2 years, the
median age is 25.0 years, and the mode age is 23.5 years.
The largest increase in per cent change occurred in the
thirty-nine to forty-four and thirty-three to thirty-eight
age groups with 350 and 329, respectively. The age group
that evidenced the least amount of increase in the per cent

change is forty-five to fifty at 100.

§g§.~~Table 4.47 indicates that 89.0 per cent of
the snowmobile operators involved in off-road accidents are
male, with 10.2 per cent female, in the winter season of
1969-1970 and that 86.2 per cent of the off-road snowmobile
accident involved operators were male, and 13.6 per cent
were female in the winter season of 1970-1971. The increase
in per cent change for males was 235 and for females was

293.

91

TABLE 4.46.~~Distribution of Off-Road Sub-Group by Age.

 

1969-1970 1970-1971 Per Cent
Years a Change
Number Per Cent Number Per Centa

 

 

 

 

 

 

0~14 17 12.4 56 13.8 229
15~20 26 19.0 76 18.7 192
21-26 23 16.8 82 20.2 256
27-32 29 21.2 64 15.8 121
33-38 14 10.2 60 14.8 329
39-44 6 4.4 27 6.6 350
45-50 7 5.1 14 3.4 100
50~Over 6 4.4 17 4.2 183
Unknown 9 6.6 10 2.5 11
Total 137 100.1 406 100.0

Mean Median Mode
1969-1970 26.1 years 26.0 years 17.5 years
1970-1971 26.2 years 25.0 years 23.5 years
% Change 0 ~4 34

 

aActual computed value rounded to the nearest
tenth.

Ownership Status.~~Over half the snowmobiles
involved in off-road accidents were owned by the operator
in both the winter seasons, as indicated in Table 4.48
(57.7 per cent in winter season 1969-1970 and 59.1 per cent
in winter season 1970-1971). Thirty-eight and seven tenths
per cent of the snowmobiles involved in off-road accidents
were not owned by the operator in winter season 1969-1970
and 35.2 per cent in winter season 1970-1971. The increase

in the per cent change for ownership of snowmobiles

92

TABLE 4.47.~~Distribution of Off—Road Snowmobile Accident
Involvement of Operators by Sex.

 

 

 

 

 

1969-1970 1970-1971 P
Sex e; Cent

Number Per Centa Number Per Centa C ange
Male 122 89.0 350 86.2 235
Female 14 10.2 55 13.6 293
Unknown 1 .7 1 .2 0
Total 137 99.9 406 100.0

aActual computed value rounded to the nearest

tenth.

TABLE 4.48.~~Distribution of Ownership Status of Snowmobiles
Involved in Off-Road Accidents.

 

 

 

 

Ownership 1969-1970 1970-1971 Per Cent

Status Number Per Centa Number Per Centa Change
Owned 79 57.7 240 59.1 265
Not Owned 53 38.7 143 35.2 170
Unknown 5 3.6 23 5.8 360
Total 137 100.0 406 100.0

 

aActual computed value rounded to the nearest
tenth.

93

involved in off-road accidents was 265 and the increase in

per cent change for non—ownership of snowmobiles was 170.

Residence of Operators.~~Table 4.49 shows that
Onodaga, Oswego, and Jefferson counties had the highest
frequency of residents involved in off-road snowmobile
accidents in the 1969-1970 winter season at 19.0 per cent,
10.2 per cent, and 9.5 per cent, respectively. In the
1970-1971 winter season, Onondaga at 10.6 per cent, Wayne
at 7.9 per cent, and Jefferson at 5.9 per cent were the
counties with the highest frequency of residents involved
in off-road snowmobile accidents as indicated in Table 4.27.
The counties that had the highest increase in per cent
change of residents involved in off-road snowmobile
accidents were Lewis-2600, Washington-1500, Wayne-1500, and
Cayuga-1100.

Table 4.50 reveals the number and per cent of
snowmobile operators involved in off-road accidents that
occurred in the county of their residence. Eighty-one per
cent of the operators were involved in an off-road snow-
mobile accident in the county of their residence in the
winter season of 1969-1970. In the winter season of 1970-
1971, 76.1 per cent of the operators resided in the county
of the off-road snowmobile accident occurrence. In each
of the winter seasons 2.2 per cent of the off—road snow—
mobile accidents involved residents from out of state.

Sixteen and eight tenths per cent and 21.7 per cent in the

94

TABLE 4.49.~~Distribution of Off-Road Snowmobile Operators by County of
Residence.

 

 

 

 

County 1969-1970 1970-1971 Per Cent
Change
Number Per Centa Number Per Centa
Albany 1 .7 8 2.0 700
Allegany l .7 1 .2 O
Broome 2 1.5 9 2.2 350
Cattaragus 2 1.5 1 .2 ~100
Cayuga 1 .7 12 3.0 1100
Chautauqua .. .. 1 .2 100
Chemung .. .. .. .. ..
Chenango 2 1.5 3 .7 50
Clinton 1 .7 7 1.7 600
Columbia .. .. 7 1.7 700
Cortland 3 2.2 2 .5 ~100
Deleware .. .. 2 .5 200
Dutchess 2 1.5 5 1.2 150
Erie 5 3.6 11 2.7 120
Essex .. .. 5 1.2 500
Franklin 2 1.5 16 3.9 700
Fulton .. .. 5 1.2 500
Genesee .. .. l .2 100
Greene .. .. 3 .7 300
Hamilton .. .. 2 .5 200
Herkimer .. 5 1.2 400
Jefferson 13 9.5 24 5.9 85
Lewis .. .. 26 6.4 2600
Livingston .. .. 2 .5 200
Madison 3 2.2 7 1.7 133
Monroe 9 6.6 8 2.0 ~100
Montgomery 2 1.5 7 1.7 250
Nassau .. .. .. .. ..
New York City 2 1.5 .. .. ~200
Niagara .. .. 5 1.2 500
Oneida 12 8.8 10 2.5 ~20
Onondaga 26 19.0 43 10.6 65
Ontario .. .. 5 1.2 500
Orange .. .. 1 .2 100
Orleans .. .. 2 .5 200
Oswego 14 10.2 17 4.2 21
Otsego .. .. .. .. ..
Putnam .. .. .. .. ..
Rensselaer 2 1.5 2 .5 O
Rockland l .7 .. .. ~100
St. Lawrence 11 8.0 24 5.9 118
Saratoga 2 1.5 20 4.9 900
Schenectady .. .. 3 .7 300

 

95

TABLE 4.49.~-Continued.

 

1969-1970 1970-1971 Per Cent
County a a Change
Number Per Cent Number Per Cent

 

 

 

Schoharie l .7 l .2 0
Schuyler .. .. 2 .5 200
Seneca .. .. 5 1.2 500
Steuben 4 2.9 5 1.2 25
Suffolk 2 1.5 1 .2 ~100
Sullivan .. .. 3 .7 300
Tioga 1 .7 4 1.0 300
Tompkins .. .. 2 .5 200
Ulster .. .. 3 .7 300
Warren .. .. 5 1.2 500
Washington 1 .7 16 3.9 1700
Wayne 2 1.5 32 7.9 1500
Westchester .. .. l .2 100
Wyoming 4 2.9 3 .7 ~100
Yates .. .. 1 .2 100
Out of State 3 2.2 9 2.2 200
Total 137 100.2 401 99.8

 

aActual computed value rounded to the nearest tenth.

96

TABLE 4.50.~~Distribution of Residence of Snowmobile Operators Involved
in Off-Road Accidents by County of Occurrence.

 

1969-1970 1970-1971 Per Cent
Residence a Change
Number Per Cent Number Per Centa

 

 

 

Same County 111 81.0 309 76.1 118
Other N.Y.

County 23 16.8 88 21.7 283
Out of State 3 2.2 9 2.2 200
Total 137 100.0 406 100.0

 

aActual computed value rounded to the nearest tenth.

1969-1970 and 1970-1971 winter seasons, respectively, were
involved in off-road snowmobile accidents in counties other
than their residence. The largest increase in per cent
change was apparent in accident occurrence in a county

other than the one in which the operator resides with 283.

Type of Accident.~~The nonfatal injury accident was
the type of off-road snowmobile accident most frequent in
both the 1969-1970 and 1970-1971 winter seasons. Table
4.51 shows that 83.2 per cent of the accidents were the non-
fatal injury type in the 1969-1970 winter season and 87.9
per cent were nonfatal injury type accidents in the 1970-
1971 winter season. The fatal injury accident accounted
for 2.2 per cent of the accidents in the 1969-1970 winter
season and 3.5 per cent in the 1970-1971 winter season.

The increase in per cent change for nonfatal injury

97

TABLE 4.51.~-Distribution of Type of Off-Road Snowmobile Accident.

 

 

 

 

1969-1970 1970-1971
Type Per Cent
Number Per Centa Number Per Centa Change
Fatal Injury 3 2.2 14 3.5 367
Nonfatal Injury 114 83.2 357 87.9 213
Property Damage 20 14.6 35 8.6 75
Total 137 100.0 406 100.0

 

aActual computed value rounded to the nearest tenth.

accidents was 213 while the increase for per cent change of

fatal injury accidents was 367.

Region of Injury.~~Table 4.52 shows that the areas
of the body of snowmobile operators most frequently injured
in off-road accidents in both winter seasons were the lower
extremities (32.8 per cent in the 1969-1970 winter season
and 33.7 per cent in the 1970-1971 winter season) and the
head (17.5 per cent in the 1969-1970 winter season and
21.9 per cent in the 1970-1971 winter season). The areas
of the body that evidenced the largest increase in per cent

change was the neck with 400 and head with 271.

Type of ijury.~~The type of injury most frequently
apparent in off-road snowmobile accidents was the fracture
in the 1969-1970 winter season with 24.1 per cent and the
laceration in the 1970-1971 winter season with 32.8 per

cent as shown in Table 4.53. The type of injury that had

 

98

TABLE 4.52.~~Distribution of Region of Injury of Operators Involved in
Off-Road Snowmobile Accidents.

 

 

 

 

1969-1970 1970-1971 Per Cent
Region a a Change
Number Per Cent Number Per Cent

Head 24 17.5 89 21.9 271
Neck 2 1.5 10 2.5 400
Chest 8 5.8 23 5.7 100
Upper

Extremities 8 5.8 36 8.9 62
Back 11 8.0 22 5.4 225
Lower

Extremities 45 32.8 137 33.7 205
Combination 8 5.8 27 6.6 225
Unknown 31 22.6 62 15.3 100
Total 137 99.8 406 100.0

 

aActual computed value rounded to the nearest tenth.

TABLE 4.53.-~Distribution of Type of Injury to Snowmobile Operator in
Off-Road Accident Occurrences.

 

 

 

 

 

Type of Injury 1969-1970 1970-1971 Per Cent
Number Per Centa Number Per Centa Change
Fracture 33 24.1 98 24.1 197
Laceration 31 22.6 133 32.8 329
Contusion 8 5.8 61 15.0 656
Sprain 11 8.0 28 6.9 152
Concussion 2 1.5 10 2.5 400
Miscellaneous 19 13.9 10 2.5 ~90
Combination 2 1.5 12 3.0 500
Unknown 31 22.6 54 13.3 74
Total 137 100.0 406 100.1
aActual computed value rounded to the nearest tenth.

99

the largest per cent increase was the contusion at 656.
The laceration type of injury had a per cent change increase

of 329 and the fracture had 197.

Classification of Accident.~~Table 4.54 reveals that
"collision with fixed object" was the classification of
accident most frequent in both winter seasons with 21.9 per
cent in the 1969-1970 winter season and 23.9 per cent in
the 1970-1971 winter season. Large increases in the per
cent change occurred in the categories of "collision with
hidden object"~950, "fire"~400, and "overturning"~320.
”Collision with a person" evidenced a decrease in the per

cent change of 80.

Operation at Time of Occurrence.~~"Cruising" was
the most frequent mode of operation in off-road snowmobile
accidents in both the winter season 1969-1970 with 78.1 per
cent and winter season 1970-1971 with 67.8 per cent as
shown in Table 4.55. "Racing, sporting event" had an
increase in per cent change of 2800, the largest of the

categories.

Apparent Cause or Contributing Circumstance.~~
Table 4.56 reveals that in the 1969-1970 winter season
"imprudent speed" was the most frequent apparent cause or
contributing circumstance in off-road snowmobile accidents
with 35.0 per cent and "reckless driving" with 39.9 per

cent in the 1970-1971 winter season. The apparent cause

100

.sucmu amouwmc on» ou popcsou msHm> omusmfioo Hmouodm

 

 

 

 

0.00H NOO N.OOH NNH HNooN
NON H.NH NO N.HH NH Hoauo
OOO O.H O .. .. ouHN
ONN N.OH NO N.N O Homnoo aooon\oonHHHoo
NNN N.NN NN N.HN ON pooNoo OoxHN\ooHNHHHoo
ONH N.NH NN H.NH NN oHHnoesocmxaoHNHHHoo
NN N.O NH N.N NH .>.z\aoHNHHHoo
ON- N.H N N.N N comuom\oonHHHoo
NN N.N NH N.N N osom No NOHNNHNN
ONN N.NN ON H.NH NN NoHououHo>o
NNH N.N HN N.N NH NNo HHNN
DCOU Hmm HQQEHHZ anamu Hmm HOQEHHZ
mmcmno coHumoHMHmmmHu unopHuoa
ucoo mom HNNH-ONNH ONNH-NNNH

 

.mucmnwood OHHQOESOcm wmomlmmo MO COHUMOHMHmmMHU MO coaudnfluumflall.vm.¢ mqmda

101

TABLE 4.55.-~Distribution of Off-Road Snowmobile Accidents by Operation
at the Time of Occurrence.

 

1969-1970 1970-1971

 

 

 

. Per Cent
Operation
Number Per Centa Number Per Centa Change

Crossing Highway .. .. .. .. ..
Cruising 107 78.1 275 67.8 157
Maneuvering 15 11.0 81 20.0 440
Towing 2 1.5 16 3.9 700
Parked, Stopped 3 2.2 l .2 ~200
Starting 6 4.4 .. .. ~600
Racing, Sporting Event 1 .7 29 7.1 2800
Overtaking 3 2.2 2 .5 ~100
Slowing, Stop .. .. .. .. ..
Unknown .. .. .5 200
Total 137 99.4 406 100.0

 

aActual computed value rounded to the nearest tenth.

TABLE 4.56.~-Distribution of Off-Road Snowmobile Accidents by Apparent
Cause or Contributing Circumstance.

 

 

 

Apparent Cause or 1969—1970 1970-1971 Per Cent
Contributing a a Change
Circumstance Number Per Cent Number Per Cent

Imprudent Speed 48 35.0 110 27.1 129

Reckless Driving 41 29.9 162 39.9 295

Failure to Yield 4 2.9 2 .5 ~200

Defective Equipment 13 9.4 42 10.3 224

Poor Visibility .. .. 17 4.2 1700

Lack of Experience 3 9.4 19 4.7 46

Overtaken by Other 4 2.9 2 .5 ~200

Unfamiliarity of
Terrain 3 2.2 37 9.1 1133

Following Too Closely 5 3.6 4 1.0 ~100

Unknown 6 4.4 11 2.7 86

Total 137 99.7 406 100.0

 

aActual computed value rounded to the nearest tenth.

102

or contributing circumstance with second highest amount of
frequency in 1969-1970 was "reckless driving" (29.9%) and
in 1970-1971 was "imprudent speed" (27.1%). "Poor visi~
bility" and "unfamiliarity of terrain" had the largest

increase in per cent change with 1700 and 1133, respectively.
Vehicle

Registration Status.~~Table 4.57 shows that during
the 1969-1970 winter season 58.4 per cent of the snowmobiles
involved in off-road accidents were not registered and
34.7 per cent in the 1970-1971 winter season. Thirty-nine
and four tenths per cent of the snowmobiles involved in off-
road accidents in the 1969-1970 winter season were registered
and 65.0 per cent were registered in winter season 1970-
1971. The increase in per cent change of registered status
was 390 and for unregistered status was 76.

TABLE 4.57.~~Distribution of Registered Status of Snowmobiles Involved
in Off-Road Accidents.

 

 

 

 

Registered 1969-1970 1970-1971 Per Cent
Status Number Per Centa Number Per Centa Change
Registered 54 39.4 264 65.0 390
Not Registered 80 58.4 141 34.7 76
Unknown 3 2.2 1 .2 ~200
Total 137 100.0 406 99.9

 

aActual computed value rounded to the nearest tenth.

103

Vehicle Make.~~In both winter seasons, the Ski-Doo
snowmobile was most frequently represented in off-road
accidents. Table 4.58 reveals that 42.4 per cent of the
snowmobiles were Ski-Doos in the 1969-1970 winter season
and 38.4 per cent were Ski-Doos in the 1970-1971 winter
season. Four snowmobile makes were not represented at all
in off-road accidents. There were nine makes represented
in 1970-1971 but not in 1969-1970 and four makes represented
in 1969-1970 but not in 1970-1971. Moto Ski, Skiroule, and
Artic Cat were the makes that had the largest increase of
per cent change at 950, 700, and 563, respectively. Auberg
was the make of snowmobile that had a decreaSe in the per

cent change of 800.

Horsepower.~~Table 4.59 shows that the horsepower
range of 17-21 was most frequent in off-road snowmobile
accidents in the winter season 1969-1970 (32.1%) and winter
season 1970-1971 (23.4%). The largest increases in per
cent change were the horsepower ranges of 32-36 at 2100,

57 and over at 1400, and 27-31 at 533. The horsepower
range of 17-21 had an increase in the per cent change of

127.

Environment

 

County of Accident Occurrence.~~The New York
counties that had the highest frequency of off-road snow-

mobile accidents were Onondaga~l7.5 per cent, Oswego-13.9

104

TABLE 4.58.~~Distribution of Make of Snowmobiles Involved in Off-Road

 

 

 

 

Accidents.
1969-1970 1970-1971 Per Cent
Name

Number Per Centa Number Per Centa Change
Ski D00 65 47.4 156 38.4 137
Polaris 9 6.6 20 4.9 121
Sno Jet 8 5.8 22 5.4 175
Moto Ski 2 1.5 21 5.2 950
AMP 3 2.2 13 3.2 333
Skiroule 1 .7 8 2.0 700
Artic Cat 9 6.6 57 14.0 563
Scorpion 7 5.1 15 3.7 114
Fox Trac 1 .7 l .2 0
Rupp 4 2.9 15 3.7 275
Boaski 5 3.7 7 1.7 40
Alouette 2 1.5 4 1.0 100
Evinrude 2 1.5 3 .7 50
Yamaha 2 1.5 4 1.0 100
Sno Squire 1 .7 1 .2 0
Star Craft 1 .7 6 1.5 500
Massey Ferguson .. .. 3 .7 300
Ariens Arrow 1 .7 5 1.2 400
Northway .. .. 2 .5 200
Wildcat 1 .7 .. .. ~100
Chaparral .. .. 3 .7 300
Viking .. .. 2 .5 200
Johnson 1 .7 2 .5 100
Bolens D/A .. .. .. .. ..
Mercury .. .. 2 .5 200
Sno Prince .. .. 3 .7 300
Sno Bug .. .. .. .. ..
Wheel Horse .. .. .. .. ..
Yukon King 1 .7 .. .. ~100
Sno Ghia 1 .7 2 .5 100
Eskimo .. .. l .2 100
Homelite .. .. 1 .2 100
Tradewinds .. .. .. .. ..
Auto Ski .. .. 3 .7 300
Husky .. .. 1 .2 100
Auberg 8 1.5 .. .. ~800
Unknown 2 5.8 23 5.7 1100
Total 137 99.9 406 99.6

 

aActual computed value rounded to the nearest tenth.

105

TABLE 4.59.~~Distribution of Horsepower of Snowmobiles
Involved in Off-Road Accidents.

 

 

 

 

 

1969—1970 1970-1971
Per Cent
Number Per Centa Number Per Centa Change

0~16 26 19.0 63 15.5 136

l7~21 44 32.1 95 23.4 127

22-26 15 10.9 87 21.4 480

27~3l 9 6.6 57 14.0 533

32-36 2 1.4 44 10.8 2100

37-41 2 1.4 12 3.0 500

42-46 2 1.4 8 2.0 300

47-51 .. .. l .2 100

52-56 .. .. 1 .2 100

57~Over .. .. 14 3.4 1400
Unknown 37 27.0 24 5.9 ..
Total 137 99.8 406 99.8

aActual computed value rounded to the nearest

tenth.

per cent, and Jefferson and St. Lawrence-each 8.8 per cent,
in the 1969-1970 winter season and Onondage~10.6 per cent,
Lewis and Wayne-each 7.9 per cent, and St. Lawrence-6.7 per
cent in the winter season of 1970-1971, as shown in

Table 4.60. The counties that had the largest increase in
per cent change were Lewis at 3200, Wayne at 3100, Cayuga
at 1100, and Washington at 1100. Oswego one of the
counties with high accident occurrence in the 1969-1970

winter season had a decrease in per cent change of 73.

Location.~~Table 4.61 shows that most of the off-
road snowmobile accidents occurred in a field or yard in

winter season l969~l970~72.3 per cent and in winter season

106

TABLE 4.60.-~Distribution of Off-Road Snowmobile Accidents by County of
Occurrence.

 

 

 

 

1969-1970 1970-1971
Per Cent
County a a Change
Number Per Cent Number Per Cent

Albany 1 .7 9 2.2 800
Allegany 2 1 5 .. .. ~200
Broome 3 2.2 8 2.0 167
Cattaraugus 4 2 9 3 .7 ~33
Cayuga l .7 12 3.0 1100
Chautauqua .. .. 2 .5 200
Chemung .. .. .. .. ..

Chenango 2 1.5 4 1.0 100
Clinton 2 1.5 4 1.0 100
Columbia .. .. 6 1.5 600
Cortland l .7 2 .5 100
Deleward .. .. 3 .7 300
Dutchess .. 1.5 7 1.7 250
Erie 2 1.5 9 2.2 350
Essex . .. 7 1.7 700
Franklin 3 2.2 22 5.4 633
Fulton .. .. 4 1.0 400
Genesee 1 .7 1 .3 0
Greene 1 .7 2 .5 100
Hamilton .. .. 2 .5 200
Harkimer 1 .7 10 2.5 900
Jefferson 12 8.8 16 3.9 33
Lewis .. .. 32 7.9 3200
Livingston .. .. 3 .7 300
Madison 5 3.6 8 2.0 60
Monroe 7 5.1 6 1.5 ~17
Montogmery 1 .7 8 2.0 700
Nassau .. .. .. .. ..

New York City .. .. .. .. ..

Niagara .. .. 1 3 100
Oneida 10 7.3 10 2.5 O
Onondaga 24 17.5 43 10.6 79
Ontario 2 1.5 5 1.2 150
Orange .. .. .. .. ..

Orleans .. .. 5 1.2 500
Oswego 19 13.9 11 2 7 ~73
Otsego .. .. .. .. ..

Putnam .. .. .. .. ..

Rensselaer .. .. l .3 100
Rockland l .7 .. .. ~100
St. Lawrence 12 8.8 27 6.7 125
Saratoga 3 2.2 14 3.4 367

Schenectady .. .. .. .. ..

 

107

TABLE 4.60.-~Continued.

 

 

 

 

1969-1970 1970-1971
County Per Cent
Number Per Centa Number Per Centa Change

Schoharie 2 1.5 2 .5 0
Schuyler .. .. 2 .5 200
Seneca .. .. 5 1.2 500
Steuben 5 3.6 6 1.5 20
Suffolk .. .. .. .. ..
Sullivan 1 .7 2 .5 100
Tioga .. .. 4 1.0 400
Tompkins .. .. 2 .5 200
Ulster .. .. 3 .7 300
Warren .. .. 10 2.5 1000
Washington 2 1.5 24 5.9 1100
Wayne 1 .7 32 7.9 3100
Westchester .. . 1 .3 100
Wyoming 3 2.2 5 1.2 67
Yates .. .. l .3 100
Unknown 1 .7 .. .. ~100
Total 137 100.0 401 100.3

 

aActual computed value rounded to the nearest tenth.

108

TABLE 4.61.~-Distribution of Location of Off-Road Snowmobile Accidents
by Terrain.

 

 

 

 

1969-1970 1970-1971
Terrain Per Cent
Number Per Centa Number Per Centa Change
Lake or Pond 14 10.2 3 .7 ~367
Woods 5 3.6 25 6.2 400
Field or Yard 99 72.3 262 64.5 165
Trail 10 7.3 87 21.4 770
Unknown 9 6.6 29 6.1 250
Total 137 100.2 406 100.0

 

aActual computed value rounded to the nearest tenth.

l970~197l~64.5 per cent. The largest increase in per cent
change occurred in the categories of "trail"~770 and "woods"-
400. A decrease in the per cent change was evidenced in
"lake or pond" of 367. The increase in per cent change for

the_sub~group of off-road snowmobile accidents was 195.

Surface Condition.~~The surface condition most
prevalent in off-road snowmobile accidents, according to
Table 4.62, was "smooth" in both the winter season of
1969-1970 and the winter season of 1970-1971 with 53.3 per
cent and 50.5 per cent, respectively. The surface condition
that had the largest increase in per cent of change was
"rough" with 264. Surface condition "smooth" had an

increase in the per cent change of 181.

Week of Season.-~Table 4.63 reveals that February 1,

1970 to February 7, 1970 had the highest number of off-road

109

TABLE 4.62.~~Distribution of Surface Condition of Off-Road
Snowmobile Accident Location.

 

 

 

 

Surface 1969-1970 1970-1971 Per Cent
Condition Number Per Centa Number Per Centa Change
Smooth 73 53.3 205 50.5 181
Rough 49 35.8 178 43.8 264
Other 4 2.9 6 1.5 50
Unknown 11 8.0 17 4.2 64
Total 137 100.0 406 100.0

 

aActual computed value rounded to the nearest
tenth.
snowmobile accidents, 13, per week of the 1969-1970 winter
season. The week with the next highest frequency of off~
road snowmobile accidents, 12, was February 15, 1970 to
February 21, 1970. The week of highest frequency of off-
road snowmobile accidents in the winter season 1970-1971
was January 24, 1971 to January 30, 1971 with 44. The week
with the second highest frequency (38) of off-road snow-

mobile accidents was January 17, 1971 to January 23, 1971.

Day of Week.~~The combination of Saturday and
Sunday were the days on which over half the off-road
snowmobile accidents occurred in both winter seasons.
Table 4.64 shows that 65.7 per cent of the off—road snow-
mobile accidents occurred on Saturday and Sunday in the
1969-1970 winter season and that 56.7 per cent of the off—

road snowmobile accidents occurred on Saturday and Sunday

110

.nucou umoummc on» on poocsou msHm> pousmEoo Hmsuomo

 

 

 

 

0.00H OOO O.NN NNH Hmuoe
N. H NHIO HHIO NN
m.H O OHIv v IO HN
N.N m m Iv ONIm O.N O ONIm NNIm ON
v.m NN NNIm HNIm H.m N HNIm mHIm mH
m.H O ONIm OHIm m.N OH «HIM m Im OH
N.O NH mHIm N In O.N m N In H Im NH
O.m NN O In mNIN m.N OH ONIN NNIN OH
0.0 ON NNIN HNIN 0.0 NH HNIN mHIN mH
N.O NH ONIN OHIN 0.0 HH OHIN O IN OH
0.0 NN MHIN N IN m.m mH N IN H IN MH
m.m ON O IN HmIH O.N HH HmIH mNIH NH
0.0H vv OmIH ONIH O.m m «NIH OHIH HH
0.0 mm MNIH NHIH O.m m NHIH HHIH OH
0.0 mm OHIH OHIH N.N m OHIH v IH m
N.m HN m IH m IH H.m N m IH ONINH m
0.0 cm N IH NNINH m.N OH NNINH HNINH N
0.0 ON ONINH ONINH m.N OH ONINH OHINH O
v.m vH OHINH MHINH m.H N MHINH N INH m
O.N m NHINH O INH 0.0 HH w INH OmIHH v
N. m m INH ONIHH .. .. ONIHH MNIHH m
N. m ONIHH NNIHH N. H NNIHH OHIHH N
O.H O HNIHH mHIHH .. .. mHIHH m IHH H
mucoo Mom Honesz mmumo mucmo mom monasz mouoo
Hmnfisz
HNmHIONmH ONmHImOmH xooz

 

.commom No Home an mucooHoo< oHHnoesocm omom-Nmo No coHuanuumHo-.NN.O mHmaa

111

TABLE 4.64.~~Distribution of Day of Week of Off-Road
Snowmobile Accidents.

 

1969-1970 1970-1971

 

 

 

 

Per Cent
Day a a Change
Number Per Cent Number Per Cent
Saturday 40 29.2 97 23.9 146
Sunday 50 36.5 133 32.8 167
Monday 6 4.4 23 5.7 283
Tuesday 7 5.1 25 6.2 256
Wednesday 6 4.4 23 5.7 283
Thursday 14 10.2 52 12.8 266
Friday 14 10.2 51 12.6 265
Unknown 0 0.0 2 .5 200
Total 137 100.0 406 100.2
aActual computed value rounded to the nearest

tenth.

in the 1970-1971 winter season. Monday and Wednesday had
the highest increase in per cent change, each with 283.
Thursday had the next highest increase in per cent change

with 266.

Hour of Day.~~In both the 1969-1970 and 1970-1971
winter seasons the time of day when most off-road snow-
mobile accidents occurred was between 2:01 P.M. and 5:00
P.M., as shown in Table 4.65 with 29.9 per cent and 31.0
per cent, respectively. The time span between 5:01 A.M.
and 8:00 A.M. realized the largest increase in per cent
change of 700. The hours from 5:01 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. had

the second largest increase in per cent change of 353.

112

.nusou ummuomc

on» 0» omosoou msHm> omusmsoo HmsuONN

 

 

 

 

 

O.OOH NOO H.OOH NNH Hmuoe
OON N.H N N.H N csocxca
NNH O.HN NN H.ON NN .a.o OO1HH-.s.o HO.N
NNN N.NH NN O.HH NH .e.o OO.N -.e.o HO.N
NON O.HN NNH N.NN HO .s.o OO.N -.s.o HO.N
OHN N.HH NO O.HH NH .e.m OO.N -.a.m HO.HH
NN N.N NH N.N N .e.m OO.HH-.e.m HOuN
OON N.H N .. .. .a.N OOuN -.e.N HO.N
OON N. N N. H .e.m OO.N -.e.o HO.N
NHH N.HH NO H.NH NN .s.m OO.N -.s.o HO.HH
mmcmnu mucOU Hmm HOQEHHZ muCOU me HOQEHHZ
ucmo mom oEHB
HNNH-ONNH ONNH-NNNH
(an MO H503 an mucmfifiood OHHQOEOCm Umomlmmo m0 GOHUanHumHQII.mm 1v mqmda

113

The time span of 8:01 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. had the least

amount of increase in per cent change of 88.

Weather.~~Table 4.66 shows that 58.4 per cent of
the off-road snowmobile accidents occurred in "clear"
weather in the 1969-1970 winter season and that in the
winter season of 1970-1971, 74.1 per cent of the off-road
snowmobile accidents occurred in "clear" weather. The
increase in per cent change for the weather condition

"clear" was 266. The weather conditions of cloudy" and
"rain" had a decrease in the per cent change of 400 and 20,
respectively.

TABLE 4.66.~~Distribution of Weather Condition at the Time
of the Off-Road Snowmobile Accident.

 

Weather 1969-1970 1970-1971 Per Cent
Condition a a Change
Number Per Cent Number Per Cent

 

 

 

Clear 80 58.4 301 74.1 266
Cloudy 15 11.0 3 .7 ~400
Rain 6 4.4 5 1.2 ~20
Snow 24 17.5 68 16.8 183
Unknown 12 8.8 29 7.1 141
Total 137 100.1 406 99.9

 

aActual computed value rounded to the nearest
tenth.

Visibility.-~In the winter season 1969-1970 52.6
per cent and 7.6 per cent in winter season 1970-1971 of

the off-road snowmobile accidents occurred in the visibility

114

condition classified as "poor-dark, lighted or unlighted"
as shown in Table 4.67. The "good-daylight" visibility
condition was reported for 38.9 per cent of the off-road
snowmobile accidents in 1969-1970 winter season and 67.0
per cent in 1970-1971 winter season. The visibility con~
dition "good-daylight" had an increase in per cent change
of 413. The visibility condition of "fair-dawn or dusk"
had an increase in per cent change of 700 and "poor-dark,
lighted or unlighted" had a decrease in per cent change of
132.

TABLE 4.67.-~Distribution of Visibility at the Time of the Off-Road
Snowmobile Accident.

 

1969-1970 1970-1971

 

 

 

Visibility Per cent
Number Per Centa Number Per Centa Change

Good-Daylight 53 38.9 272 67.0 413
Fair-Dawn

or Dusk 11 8.0 88 21.7 700
Poor-Dark,

Lighted or

Unlighted 72 52.6 31 7.6 ~132
Unknown 1 .7 15 3.7 1400
Total 137 100.0 406 100.0

 

aActual computed value rounded to the nearest tenth.

115

Summary
Chapter IV presented an analysis of the data

collected on the 337 snowmobile accidents in the 1969-1970
winter season and the 687 snowmobile accidents in the
winter season 1970-1971 in the state of New York. The data
was obtained through the New York Department of Motor
Vehicles and the New York Office of Parks and Recreation.

The chapter was organized into three major parts:
(1) selected factors relative to the populations; (2)
selected factors relative to the on~road sub-group; and (3)
selected factors relative to the off-road sub-group.

Tables were structured to more clearly reveal the
amassed frequencies and percentages.

Chapter V will include the summary, conclusions,
discussion of feelings not supported by the data, recom-

mendations, and recommendations for further study.

CHAPTER V

SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND DISCUSSION,

AND RECOMMENDATIONS

The preceding chapter contained the analysis of the
data collected. This chapter contains a summary, con-
clusions, discussion of feelings not supported by the data,

recommendations, and recommendations for further study.

Summary

The purpose of this study was to ascertain the
particular factors that were most prevalent in snowmobile
accidents preceding (winter season 1969-1970) and following
(winter season 1970-1971) the enactment of regulatory
legislation in the state of New York. Data were collected
on the population of this study, and selected factors were
considered in the areas of the operator, the vehicle, and
the environment.

The data for 337 snowmobile accidents in the 1969-
1970 winter season and 687 snowmobile accidents in the 1970-
1971 winter season were collected from accident reports,

tabulated, and analyzed.

116

I‘v

117

Summary of the Majpr Findings

The following facts should be considered when
interpreting the findings of this study based on data
provided in accident report forms: (1) The total number of
snowmobiles in the state of New York was not known; (2)
The rate or amount of exposure to snowmobile use was not
known; (3) All off-road snowmobile accidents involving
personal injury and/or property damage in excess of $100.00
had to be reported in the winter season 1970-1971, whereas
only off-road snowmobile accidents involving fatal injury
had to be reported in the winter season 1969-1970; and
finally (4) In the 1969-1970 winter season snowmobiles had
to be registered only if used on the roadway, whereas in
the 1970-1971 winter season all snowmobiles had to be
registered if used on other than private land.
Summary of thejSelected Factors
0 t e opulation

The per cent change for the population of 337 snow-
mobile accidents in the 1969-1970 winter season and the
population of 687 snowmobile accidents in the 1970-1971
winter season was an increase of 105. Therefore, the
expected increase in per cent change for each of the
selected factors in the population would be 105. An
increase in per cent change in excess of 105 would indicate
more than the expected increase, while an increase in per
cent change of less than 105 would indicate less than the

expected increase.

3.

118

Operator.~~

In both winter seasons in the age group 15~20 and
the highest frequency of snowmobile accident
involvement with 26.1 per cent (1969-1970) and

24.2 per cent (1970-1971). The age groups of 14

and under and 39-44 had increases in per cent change

of 208 and 207, respectively.

In both winter seasons the operators most frequently
had snowmobile accidents in the county in which they
resided, 78.9 per cent in 1969-1970 and 75.8 per

cent in 1970-1971.

Nonfatal injury snowmobile accidents were most
frequent in both winter seasons with 73.0 per cent
(1969-1970) and 83.8 per cent (1970-1971). The
increase in per cent change in nonfatal injury
accidents was 134. Fatal injury accidents had an

increase in per cent change of 79.

In both winter seasons the regions of the body with
the greatest frequency of injuries when involved in
snowmobile accidents were the lower extremities,
28.2 per cent (1969-1970) and 31.2 per cent (1970-
1971), and the head, 16.9 per cent (1969-1970) and
22.1 per cent (1970-1971). The area of the body
that had the largest increase in per cent change was

the neck with 367.

119

The type of injury that was most frequent in snow-
mobile accidents changed from the fracture with
18.1 per cent in the 1969-1970 winter season to the
laceration with 27.9 per cent in the 1970-1971
winter season. The increase in per cent change for

laceration was 226.

In both winter seasons "collision with a motor
vehicle" was the most common classification of
snowmobile accident with 156 occurrences (1969-1970)
and 168 occurrences (1970-1971). The increase in
per cent change was 8. The snowmobile accident
classification "overturning" had an increase in

per cent change of 362.

In both winter seasons the operation at the time

of the snowmobile accident "cruising" had the
highest frequency with 62.0 per cent (1969-1970) and
61.0 per cent (1970-1971). The smallest increase

in per cent change was the operation of "crossing
the highway" with 30. "Racing, sporting event" had

an increase in per cent change of 3900.

In both winter seasons the combination of "imprudent
speed" and "reckless driving" was the apparent

cause or contributing circumstance of snowmobile
accidents with the highest frequency, 53.4 per cent

(1969-1970) and 63.0 per cent (1970-1971). The

120

apparent cause or contributing circumstance "un-
familiarity of terrain" had an increase in per cent

change of 1367.

Vehicle.--

In the 1969-1970 winter season 50.7 per cent of the
snowmobiles were not registered that were involved
in accidents and 36.7 per cent in the 1970-1971
winter season. Whereas, 47.8 per cent of the
snowmobiles involved in accidents in winter season
1969-1970 were registered and 63.2 per cent in

winter season 1970-1971.

In both winter seasons snowmobiles involved in
accidents with the horsepower range of l7~21 had
the highest frequency, 33.5 per cent (1969-1970)
and 23.7 per cent (1970—1971). The horsepower
range of 47 and over and 32-36 had increases in

per cent change of 2200 and 1103, respectively.

Environment.~~

In both winter seasons the highest frequency of
snowmobile accidents occurred on~road, 200
occurrences (1969-1970) and 281 occurrences (1970-
1971). The increase in per cent change for on~road
accidents was 40. The increase in per cent change

for off-road accidents was 195.

121

In both winter seasons the surface condition
"smooth" was most frequent in snowmobile accidents,
76.0 per cent (1969-1970) and 52.3 per cent (1970-
1971). The increase in per cent change was 40 for
"smooth" surface condition and 323 for "rough"

surface condition.

In both winter seasons the combination of Saturday
and Sunday accounted for the occurrence of most
snowmobile accidents, 56.4 per cent (1969-1970) and
54.0 per cent (1970-1971). Thursday and Friday had
increases in per cent change of 155 and 122,

respectively.

In both winter seasons the hours of the day when

the greatest frequency of snowmobile accidents
occurred were 2:01 P.M. to 5:00 P.M.., 28.8 per cent
(1969-1970) and 30.3 per cent (1970-1971). The
hours of the day 5:01 A.M. to 8:00 A.M. had an

increase in per cent change of 1300.

In both winter seasons, snowmobile accidents
occurred most frequently in "clear" weather, 57.9
per cent (1969-1970) and 70.4 per cent (1970-1971).
"Clear" weather had an increase in per cent change
of 148 while "cloudy" weather had a decrease in

per cent change of 90.

122

6. In the 1969-1970 winter season 53.1 per cent of the
snowmobile accidents occurred in "poor-dark,
lighted or unlighted" visibility conditions and
11.9 per cent in winter season 1970—1971. Whereas,
in winter season 1969-1970 38.9 per cent of the
snowmobile accidents occurred in "good-daylight"
visibility conditions and 62.7 in winter season
(1970-1971). The increase in per cent change for

"good-daylight" visibility conditions was 229.

Summary of the Selected Factors

afIthe On-R335_§EE:Group

The per cent change for the on~road sub-group of
200 snowmobile accidents in the 1969-1970 winter season and
the on~road sub-group of 281 snowmobile accidents in 1970-
1971 winter season was an increase of 40. Therefore, the
expected increase in per cent change for each of the
selected factors in the on~road sub-groups would be 40.
An increase in per cent change in excess of 40 would indi-
cate more than the expected increase, while an increase in
per cent change of less than 40 would indicate less than

the expected increase.

Qperator.~-

1. In both winter seasons the age group 15~20 had the
highest frequency of snowmobile accident involvement
with 31.0 per cent (1969-1970) and 32.0 per cent

(1970-1971). The age groups 14 and under and

123

45-50 had increases in per cent change of 186 and
150, respectively. The age group 21-26 had a

decrease in per cent change of 8.

In both winter seasons most Operators had snow-
mobile accidents in the county in which they
resided, 78.0 per cent (1969-1970) and 75.4 per

cent (1970-1971).

Nonfatal injury snowmobile accidents were most
frequent in both winter seasons with 66.0 per cent
(1969-1970) and 77.9 per cent (1970-1971). The
rate for fatal injury snowmobile accidents was 5.5
per cent (1969-1970) and 3.9 per cent (1970-1971).
There was an increase in per cent change of 66 for
nonfatal injury accidents. There was no increase

in per cent change for fatal injury accidents.

In both winter seasons the regions of the body with
the greatest frequency of injuries when involved in
snowmobile accidents were the lower extremities,
25.0 per cent (1969-1970) and 27.4 per cent (1970-
1971), and the head, 16.5 per cent (1969-1970) and
22.4 per cent (1970-1971). The neck was the area
of the body with the largest increase in per cent

change with 300.

The type of injury that was most frequent in snow-
mobile accidents changed from the fracture and

laceration sharing the first position in the

124

1969-1970 winter season, each with 14.0 per cent to
the fracture alone in the 1970-1971 winter season
with 29.2 per cent. The type of injury "fracture"

had an increase in per cent change of 193.

In both winter seasons "collision with a motor
vehicle" was the most common classification of
snowmobile accident with 143 occurrences (1969-1970)
and 151 occurrences (1970-1971). The increase in
per cent change for "collision with motor vehicle"
was 6. The classifications "overturning,"
"collision with hidden object," and "collision with
fixed object" had increases in per cent change of

650, 500, and 400, respectively.

Of the snowmobile operation permitted on~road by

the Harris Bill, crossing the highway, 39 occurrences
involved collision with the motor vehicle in the
winter season of 1969-1970 and 47 occurrences in

the winter season 1970-1971. Of the snowmobile
Operation prohibited on~road by the Harris Bill,

all actions but crossing the highway, 104 occurrences
involved collision with the motor vehicle in winter
season 1969-1970 and 104 occurrences in winter

season 1970-1971. The increase in per cent change
for collision with the motor vehicle for operations

permitted on~road by the Harris Bill was 20 and for

125

operations prohibited on~road by the Harris Bill

was zero .

In both winter seasons, actions that were sub-
sequently prohibited on~road by the Harris Bill in
the 1970-1971 winter season were most frequent in
snowmobile accidents, 79.5 per cent (1969-1970) and
81.8 per cent (1970—1971). Actions prohibited on-
road by the Harris Bill had an increase in per cent
change of 45 while actions permitted on~road by the
Harris Bill had an increase in per cent change of

24.

In both winter seasons "imprudent speed" was the
apparent cause or contributing circumstance in on-
road snowmobile accidents with the highest frequency,
31.0 per cent (1969-1970) and 32.0 per cent (l970~
1971). The apparent cause or contributing cir-
cumstance "unfamiliarity of terrain" had an increase

in per cent change of 700.

Vehicle.~-

In both winter seasons most of the snowmobiles
involved in on~road accidents were registered,
53.5 per cent (1969—1970) and 60.5 per cent (1970-
1971). The increase in per cent change for

registered snowmobiles was 59.

126

In both winter seasons snowmobiles with horsepower
in the range of l7~21 had the highest frequency,
48.0 per cent (1969-1970) and 24.2 per cent (1970-
1971). The horsepower range l7~21 had a decrease
in per cent change of one. The horsepower range of

32-36 had an increase in per cent change of 650.

Environment.~~

In both winter seasons the surface condition
"smooth" was most frequent in on~road snowmobile
accidents, 91.5 per cent (1969-1970) and 54.8 per
cent (1970-1971). The surface condition "smooth"
had a decrease in per cent change of 19, while the
surface condition "rough" had an increase in per

cent change of 512.

In both winter seasons the combination of Saturday
and Sunday accounted for the occurrence of most on-
road snowmobile accidents, 50.0 per cent (1969-1970)
and 47.5 per cent (1970-1971). Thursday had the

largest increase in per cent change with 92.

In both winter seasons the hours of the day when
the greatest frequency of on~road snowmobile
accidents occurred were 2:01 P.M. to 5:00 P.M.,
28.0 per cent (1969-1970) and 29.2 per cent (1970-
1971). The time period 5:01 A.M. to 8:00 A.M. had

an increase in per cent change of 600.

127

4. In both winter seasons, on~road snowmobile accidents
occurred most frequently in "clear" weather, 57.5
per cent (1969-1970) and 65.1 per cent (1970-1971).
The weather condition "cloudy" and "snow" and
decreases in per cent change of 2600 and 130,

respectively.

5. In the 1969-1970 winter season 53.5 per cent of the
on~road snowmobile accidents occurred in "poor-dark,
lighted or unlighted" visibility conditions, whereas,
in the 1970-1971 winter season 56.6 per cent of the
accidents occurred in "good-daylight" visibility
conditions. The "good-daylight" visibility con-
dition had an increase in per cent change of 104,
while the visibility condition of "poor-dark,
lighted or unlighted" had a decrease in per cent

change of 108.

Summary of Selected Factors
0 t e O ~Roa S ~Group

The per cent change for the off-road sub-group of
137 snowmobile accidents in the 1969-1970 winter season and
the off-road sub-group of 406 snowmobile accidents in the
1970-1971 winter season was an increase of 195. Therefore,
the expected increase in per cent change for each of the
selected factors in the off-road sub-groups would be 195.
An increase in per cent change in excess of 195 would

indicate more than the expected increase, while an increase

128

in per cent change of less than 195 would indicate less

than the expected increase.

Operator.~~

The age group 15~20 had the highest frequency of
off-road snowmobile accident involvement in the
winter season 1969-1970 with 19.0 per cent; however,
the age group 21-26 had the highest frequency of
off-road snowmobile accident involvement in the
winter season 1970-1971 with 20.2 per cent. The
age groups 39-44 and 33~38 had increases in per

cent change of 350 and 329, respectively.

In bothvinter seasons the operators had off-road
snowmobile accidents most frequently in the county
in which they resided, 81.0 per cent (1969-1970) and
76.1 per cent (1970-1971). The increase in per

cent change for operators residing in counties other

than the county of occurrence was 283.

Nonfatal injury off-road snowmobile accidents were
most frequent in both winter seasons with 83.2 per
cent (1969-1970) and 87.9 per cent (1970-1971).

The rate for fatal injury off-road snowmobile
accidents was 2.2 per cent in winter season 1969—
1970 and 3.5 per cent in winter season 1970-1971.
The increase in per cent change for fatal injury
accidents was 367 and for nonfatal injury accidents

was 213.

129

In both winter seasons the regions of the body with
the greatest frequency of injuries when involved in
off-road snowmobile accidents were the lower
extremities, 32.8 per cent (1969-1970) and 33.7

per cent (1970-1971), and the head, 17.5 per cent
(1969-1970) and 21.9 per cent (1970-1971). The
areas of the body with the largest increases in per
cent change were the neck with 400 and the head with

271.

The type of injury that was most frequent in off-
road snowmobile accidents changed from fracture
(24.1%) in the 1969-1970 winter season to the
laceration (32.8%) in the 1970-1971 winter season.
The increase in per cent change for laceration was

329.

In both winter seasons "collision with a fixed
object" was the most common classification of off-
road snowmobile accidents with 21.9 per cent (1969~
1970) and 23.9 per cent (1970-1971). The classifi-
cation of accident "collision with hidden object"
had the largest increase in per cent change with

950.

In both winter seasons the operation at the time
of occurrence "cruising" had the highest frequency
in off-road snowmobile accidents with 78.1 per cent

(1969—1970) and 67.8 per cent (1970-1971). The

130

operation at the time of the accident that had the
largest increase in per cent change was "racing,

sporting event" with 2800.

The apparent cause or contributing circumstance of
"imprudent speed" had the highest frequency in off-
road snowmobile accidents in the 1969-1970 winter
season with 35.0 per cent, while in the 1970-1971
winter season, "reckless driving" had the highest
frequency in off-road snowmobile accidents with
39.9 per cent. The apparent causes or contributing
circumstances "poor visibility" and "unfamiliarity
of terrain" had increases in per cent change of

1700 and 1133, respectively.

Vehicle.-~

In the 1969-1970 winter season 58.4 per cent of the
snowmobile involved in off-road accidents were not
registered and 34.7 per cent were not registered in
winter season 1970-1971. Whereas, in winter season
1969-1970 39.4 per cent of the snowmobiles involved
in off-road accidents were registered and 65.0 per

cent were registered in winter season 1970-1971.

In both winter seasons snowmobiles involved in
accidents with the horsepower range of l7~21 had the
highest frequency, 32.1 per cent (1969-1970) and

23.4 per cent (1970-1971). The horsepower ranges

131

of 32-36 and 57 and over had increases in per cent

change of 2100 and 1400, respectively.

Environment.~~

In both winter seasons most of the off-road accidents
occurred in a "field or yard," 72.3 per cent (1969-
1970) and 64.5 per cent (1970-1971). The location
”trails" had an increase in per cent change of 770.
The location "lake or pond" had a decrease in per

cent change of 367.

In both winter seasons off-road snowmobile accidents
occurred most frequently on the surface condition
"smooth" with 53.3 per cent (1969-1970) and 50.5

per cent (1970-1971). The surface condition

"rough" had an increase in per cent change of 264.

In both winter seasons the combination of Saturday
and Sunday accounted for the occurrence of most off-
road snowmobile accidents, 65.7 per cent (1969-
1970) and 56.7 per cent (1970-1971). Monday and
Wednesday each had increases in per cent change of

283.

In both winter seasons the hours of the day when
the greatest frequency of accidents occurred were
2:01 P.M. to 5:00 P.M., 29.9 per cent (1969-1970)
and 31.0 per cent (1970-1971). The time span
between 5:01 A.M. and 8:00 A.M. had an increase in

per cent change of 353.

132

5. In both winter seasons, off-road snowmobile
accidents occurred most frequently in "clear"
weather, 58.4 per cent (1969-1970) and 74.1 per
cent (1970-1971). The increase in per cent change

for the weather condition "clear" was 266.

6. In the 1969-1970 winter season 52.6 per cent of the
off-road accidents occurred in "poor-dark, lighted
or unlighted" visibility conditions, conversely in
the 1970-1971 winter season 67.0 per cent of the
off-road accidents occurred in "good-daylight"
visibility conditions. The increase in per cent
change for "good-daylight" visibility conditions

was 413.

Conclusions
1. While there was an increase in number of registered
snowmobiles, there was a decrease in accident
occurrences per registered snowmobiles in the 1970-
1971 winter season compared to the 1969-1970 winter

season .

Table 4.12 showed a total of 37,410 registered
snowmobiles in the winter season 1969-1970 and 130,396 in
the winter season 1970-1971, representing an increase of
250 per cent. In the 1969-1970 winter season there were
90.1 accidents for every 10,000 registered snowmobiles and
in the 1970-1971 winter season there were 52.7 accidents

for every 10,000 registered snowmobiles. However, the

133

percentage of registered snowmobiles of the total number
of snowmobiles was not known; therefore, it cannot be
determined whether the accident experience really was up or

down.

2. The severity of injuries incurred in snowmobile
accidents was less than anticipated for the 1970~

1971 winter season.

Table 4.6 showed that 4.2 per cent of the snow~
mobile accidents involved fatal injuries in the winter
season of 1969-1970 and 3.7 per cent in the 1970-1971 winter
season. The expected increase in per cent change was 105,
but for fatal injuries it was 79, representing a signifi-
cant difference from what was anticipated. Table 4.7
showed an increase in per cent change of 226 for the type
of injury "laceration" which represents a significant
variance from the anticipated increase in per cent change
of 105. Table 4.7 showed a less significant variance for
the expected per cent change of 105 for "fracture," whose

per cent change increase was 195.

3. On-road snowmobile accidents occurred less
frequently than anticipated for the 1970—1971

winter season.

Table 4.17 showed that 200 of the snowmobile
accidents occurred on~road during the 1969-1970 winter
season, while 281 of the snowmobile accidents occurred

on~road during the 1970-1971 winter season. The expected

134

increase in per cent change was 105, but for on~road
accidents it was 40, representing a significant deviation

from what was anticipated.

4. On-road snowmobile operations prohibited by the
Harris Bill occurred less frequently than antici-

pated for the 1970-1971 winter season.

Table 4.34 showed that on~road snowmobile accidents
involving on~road operations prohibited by the Harris Bill
in the 1970-1971 winter season included 159 occurrences in
winter season 1969-1970 and 230 occurrences in winter
season 1970-1971. The expected increase in per cent change
was 105, but for operations prohibited by the Harris Bill
the per cent change was 45, representing a significant

deviation from what was anticipated.

5. Collisions with motor vehicles in operations both
permitted and prohibited on~road by the Harris Bill
occurred less frequently than anticipated in the

1970-1971 winter season.

Table 4.33 showed that in on~road operations
permitted by the Harris Bill 39 occurrences involved
collision with a motor vehicle in winter season 1969-1970
and 47 occurrences in winter season 1970-1971. The expected
increase in per cent change was 105, but for operations
permitted by the Harris Bill involving collisions with
motor vehicles it was 20, representing a significant

deviation from what was anticipated. Table 4.33 showed

135

that in on~road operations prohibited by the Harris Bill
104 occurrences involved collision with a motor vehicle in
winter season 1969-1970 and 104 occurrences in winter
season 1970-1971. The expected increase in per cent change
was 105, but for Operations prohibited by the Harris Bill
involving collision with motor vehicles it was zero, which
represents a significant deviation from what was antici-

pated.

6. The frequency of fatalities in on~road snowmobile
accidents was less than anticipated for the 1970-

1971 winter season.

Table 4.29 showed that 5.5 per cent of the on~road
snowmobile accidents involved fatal injuries in winter
season 1969-1970 and 3.9 per cent in winter season 1970-
1971. The expected increase in per cent change was 40, but
fatal injuries had no increase in per cent change,
representing a significant deviation from what was antici—

pated.

7. The severity of nonfatal injuries incurred in on-
road snowmobile accidents increased more than was

anticipated for the 1970-1971 winter season.

Table 4.31 showed an increase in per cent change of
193 for the type injury "fracture" which represents a
significant variance from the expected increase in per cent

change of 40. Table 4.31 showed a less significant

136

variance from the expected per cent change of 40 for

"laceration," whose per cent change was 110.

8. The frequency of fatalities in off—road snowmobile
accidents was more than anticipated for the 1970-

1971 winter season.

Table 4.50 showed that 2.2 per cent of the off-road
snowmobile accidents involved fatal injuries in winter
season 1969-1970 and 3.5 per cent in winter season 1970-
1971. The expected increase in per cent change was 195,
but for fatal injuries it was 367, representing a signifi-

cant deviation from what was anticipated.

9. The severity of nonfatal injuries incurred in off—
road snowmobile accidents was less than anticipated

for the 1970-1971 winter season.

Table 4.52 showed an increase in per cent change of
329 for the type of injury "laceration" which represents a
significant variance from the expected increase in per cent
change of 195. Table 4.52 showed an increase in per cent
change of 197 for the type of injury "fracture" which was
close to the expected per cent change increase of 195.

Qiggussion of Feelings Not
Supported by the Data

The facilities for snowmobilers are inadequate.
There are too many snowmobilers for the limited number of
trials and open areas. Many of the trails are poorly

marked which may be a contributing factor to the number of

137

accidents reported due to unfamiliarity of terrain. Another
indication of the inadequacy is the number of snowmobile
accidents involving collision with a fixed or hidden object.

The enforcement of snowmobile regulations needs to
be improved. If violators were cited for infractions of
the regulations, a greater reduction of on~road snowmobile
accidents would be evident. At the same time, the infor-
mation revealed in the accident reports should be used to
direct the emphasis of snowmobile enforcement activities.

The number of snowmobiles involved in accidents on-
road while participating in a sporting event would indicate
that the handling of snowmobile sporting events should

receive closer scrutiny by the regulatory agencies.

Recommendations
1. That an effort be made to investigate snowmobile
accidents in depth, not just report them. The team
approach should be used so that injury severity and
cause of injury, cause of accident, and what could
have been done to prevent the accident may be

ascertained.

2. That law enforcemment personnel responsible for
snowmobile accident investigation be trained in
accident investigation and be knowledgeable about

snowmobiles.

138

That a greater effort be made by law enforcement

personnel in citing violators of the Harris Bill.

That the accident report needs to include the
information regarding the nature and region of the
injury for both fatal and nonfatal injuries of both
the operator and the passengers and needs to include

lake or pond in the section on type of terrain.

That the states use snowmobiles registration monies
for: Improving and increasing off-road areas and
trails, providing adequate signing of off-road
areas and trails, providing publication of safety
information, and providing manpower for enforcement

of the snowmobile laws.

That snow-belt states develop a uniform snowmobile
accident report form and share the data it provides

before the next snowmobiling season.

That snowmobile education programs be evaluated for
content and method, further that education programs

be reasonably available to anyone.

That snowmobile education programs include the most
up-to-date accident statistics, snowmobile law
information, maintenance practices, safe operation

procedures, and actual on~vehicle practice.

That vehicle, equipment, and emissions standards be

established for snowmobiles to protect Operators,

10.

11.

139

passengers, spectators, and other winter sport

participants.

That states require dealers to provide sales
records to the respective state licensing agency

to assist in efforts to register snowmobiles.

That public information programs be established for
the non-snowmobiling public to make tham aware of

snowmobile interaction with other vehicular traffic.

Recommendations for Further Study
A longitudinal study on snowmobile accident involve~

ment in New York state following the Harris Bill.

A study of how and where monies accrued through

snowmobile registrations are spent.

A study of the effectiveness of the snowmobile

education programs.

A study of the effectiveness of the public infor-

mation program.

A study of the effectiveness of law enforcement
agencies in the amelioration of the snowmobile

program.

A study of what the snowmobile industry is doing
and why it has not done more to improve the vehicle
from the standpoints of stability, steering, visi-

bility, braking, lighting, passenger and operator

140

support and protection, sonic and atmospheric

pollution, and positive release throttle.

7. A study of injuries incurred through the use of
snowmobiles when not involved in an accident, while

just riding along, such as back injuries.

8. A study to determine the nature and region of
injuries of the passengers involved in snowmobile

accidents.

B IBLIOGRAPHY

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Books

Baker, Stannard J., and Stebbins, William R., Jr.
Dictionary of Highway Traffic. Evanston, Ill.:
Northwestern University, 1960.

Campbell, Donald T., and Stanley, Julian C. Experimental
and Quasi-Experimental Designs for Research.
Chicago: Rand McNaIly and Company, 1963, Fourth
Printing, 1969.

 

Malo, John W. Snowmobiling-~The Guide. New York: The
Macmillan Company, 1971.

Tuite, James J. Snowmobiles and Snowmobiling. New York:
Cowles Book Company, 1969:

 

Turabian, Kate L. Student's Guide for Writing College
Papers. 3rd ed. Chicago: The University of
C icago Press, 1972.

Publications of the Government
and Other Organizations

Briggs, Stephen A., II. "Snowmobile History." National
Safety Congress Proceedings, 26:40, 1965.

Carlson, W., and Compton, M. "Snowmobile Crash Analysis.‘
Hi hwa Safet Research Institute. Ann Arbor,
Michigan, March, I971.

Harris, J. L., et al. "An Act to Amend the Vehicle and
Traffic Law and Conversation Law in Relation to
Registration, Operation, and Control of Snow-
mobiles." The Assembly of the State of New York,
No. 4862-A, February, 1970.

 

141

142

National Safety Council. "Manual on Classification of
Motor Vehicle Accidents." National Safetprouncil,
Chicago, Illinois, 1962.

Negri, Barry D. Snowmobile Accidepts~~A Detailed Investi-
ation. Albany: New York Department of Motor
VehicIes, Division of Research and Development,
December, 1970.

Negri, D. B. Accidents Involving_Snowmobiles-~A Preliminary
Review. Albany: New York State Department ofiMotor
Vehicles, Division of Research and Development,

No. 1970-1, February, 1970.

O'Dell, Raymond T. "Report on Oversnow Vehicles." United
States Department of the Interior, National Park
Service, June, 1968.

Ontario Department of Transport. "Snowmobile Collisions on
Highways and Roads in Ontario." Toronto, Ontario:
The Department of Research Section, February, 1970.

"Snowmobile Accidents in Canada Winter of 1969-1970."
Ottawa: Canada Safety Council, October, 1970.

"Snowmobile Accident Summary 1969-1970 Winter Season."
Chicago, Ill.: Public Safety Department, National
Safety Council, August, 1970.

"Snowmobile Survey." Chicago, Ill.: Research Committee,
Public Utilities Section, National Safety Council,
August, 1969.

Sturgis, R. C., et a1. "Ergonomic Study of Snowmobiles."
A study made at the Highway Safety Research Insti-
tute, Ann Arbor, Mich.: Supported in part by an
Exploratory Research Grant from the National Safety
Council, Chicago, Illinois, June 30, 1970.

United States Department of Interior, Bureau of Outdoor
Recreation. "Proceedings of the International
Snowmobile Conference." Duluth, Minnesota,
February, 1970.

United States Department of Interior, Bureau of Outdoor
Recreation. “Proceedings of the International
Snowmobile Conference. New York State Conservation
Commission, May, 1969.

143

United States Department of Interior, Bureau of Outdoor
Recreation. "Proceedings of the International
Snowmobile Congress." Portland, Maine, October,
1970.

"Vehicle and Traffic Law." Albany: New York Department of
Motor Vehicles, September, 1969.

Periodicals

Aubin, Pierre. "Snowmobile Country-~The U.S." Forei n
Trade, Vol, 134 (November 7, 1970), l4~17.

Bell, D. "The Move to Harness the Snowmobiliacs." Maclean's,
Vol. 80:4 (April, 1967), 3.

 

Castor, William, and McIntyre, Hugh. "Snowmobile Accidents."
Canadian Medical Association Journal, Vol. 102:421
Tfiebruary 28, 1970), 421.

Chism, Stanley E., and Soule, A. Bradley. "Snowmobile
Injuries: Hazards From a Popular New Winter Sport."
Journal g£_American Medical Association, Vol. 209,
No. 11 (September 15, 1969), 1672-74.

Colby, C. B. "Getting the Picture." Outdoor Life (November,
1969), 2-10.

"Cool, Fast Fun~~and Trouble, Too." Life, Vol. 70, No. 7
(February 26, 1971), 20-25.

Dominici, R. H., and Drake, E. H. "Speed on Snow-~The
Motorized Sled." The American Journal of Surgery,
Vol. 119 (April, 1970) 483-85.

Garrison, C. E. "Maine Safety Report." Recreational
Industry (November, 1969), 13.

Humphreys, Richard N. "Those Snowmobiles: Bane or Boon?"
Vermont Life, Vol. 26, No. 2 (Winter, 1971), 10.

Layne, Elizabeth N. "Abominable Snowmen." American
Heratige, Vol. 21:113 (February, 1970), 113.

Martyn, J. W. "Snowmobile Accidents." Canadian Medical
Association Journal, Vol. 101:770-72 (September 15,
5~3
' o

 

144

Olson, Jack. "Bad Snow Out in the Cold Snow." 8 orts
Illustrated, Vol. 32:11 (March 17, 1970), 2 - 5.

Snook, P. A. "Snowmobiling." National Wildlife, Vol. 7
(December-January, 1969), 42-46.

"Snow Vehicles." Machine Design, 38:138 (January, 1966)
138-43.

"The First Snowmobiles." Yankee (January, 1971), 74-79.

"What You Should Know About Your Snowmobile and the Law."
Snowmobile Handbook, Popular Science (1972), 42-43.

"Winter's Horseless Sleigh" New State Law-~Proposed Local
Regulations of Snowmobiles." Municipalipy, Vol.
65:30 (February, 1970), 30-43.

Withington, R. L., and Hall, L. W. "Snowmobile Accidents:
A Review of Injuries Sustained in the Use of Snow-
mobiles in Northern New England During the 1967-
1967 Season." Journal of Trauma, Vol. 10 (September,
1970), 760-63.

Unpublished Materials

Hinckley, Theodore E. "Analysis of Snowmobile Accidents
Involving Young Operators in the State of New York."
Unpublished Ph.D. dissertation, Michigan State
University, 1971.

Howe, H. K. "Snowmobile Industry Sales." International
Snowmobile Industry Association, Washington, D.C.,
June, 1970.

King, Alfred S. "A Study of Selected Factors Related to
Snowmobile Traffic Accidents in the State of
Michigan." Unpublished Ph.D. dissertation, Michigan
State University, 1971.

Newspapers
Giniger, Henry. "Scooters, (Snowmobiles, That Is) Hit the
Alps." The New York Times, Vol. 121, No. 41, 636,
January 22, I972, p. 8.

Lansing, Diane. "Snowmobiles Push Farther Afield."
Christian Science Monitor, November 25, 1969, p. 6.

APPENDICES

APPENDIX A

MALCOLM BALDWIN'S MODEL LAW

MALCOLM BALDWIN'S MODEL LAW

The difficulty with any model law is that it does not fully
suit existing situations in any one State. Sometimes all
it can do is to indicate appropriate elements to consider
when new legislation is desired. The model below may serve
to stimulate the development of specific legislation and
regulations not only responding to, but directing the
proper use of, the off-road vehicle.

FINDINGS OF FACT
The legislature finds that:

(l) off-road vehicles have become popular forms of
recreation;

(2) the design, propulsion and capabilities of off-
road vehicles continue to change and become more
versatile;

(3) the full recreational potential of off-road
vehicles may require operation on or across
public property, rights-of-way, or highways;

(h) unsafe operation of off-road vehicles is already
a matter of public record and concern;

(5) fish and wildlife in the State, and its habitat
on public lands, has been adversely affected by
imporper use of off-road vehicles;

(6) the use of off-road vehicles on public lands
which have important natural, wild forest or
wilderness values, is destructive to and incom-
patible with such values;

(7) the use of off-road vehicles can infringe on the
enjoyment by the people of other forms of recre-
ation.

Therefore, in order to promote the safe use and enjoyment
of off-road vehicles, to protect the fish, wildlife, and
other natural resources of the State, to guarantee the
availability of various forms of recreation to all citizens
in an environment of diversity and quality, the following
law is enacted.

145

146
1: DEFINITIONS

Off-road vehicle: An off-road vehicle is any motorized
veEIcle designed for cross-country travel on or immediately
over land, water, snow, ice, marsh, swampland or other
natural terrain. It includes, but is not limited to, four—
wheel drive or low pressure tire vehicles, motorcycles and
related two-wheel vehicles, amphibious machines, ground
effect or air cushion vehicles, and any other means of
transportation deriving motive power from.any source other
than muscle or wind; except that such term shall not
include a registered.motorboat, farm vehicle, or any mili-
tary or law enforcement vehicle.

§nowmobile: A snowmobile is any off-road vehicle that is
less than—AG" wide and no heavier than 500 pounds and is
capable of travel over snow or ice.

2: REGISTRATION

All off-road vehicles operated within the State, and not
registered under the motor vehicles law, shall be registered
with the State Department of Mbtor Vehicles after (date).
Registration shall be for a period of three years. Regis-
tration certificates and numbers shall be provided to the
applicant for a fee. The fee for registration of a snow-
mobile shall be $30 for three years.

3: VH'IICLE IDENTIFICATION

Every off-road vehicle operated within the State after
(date) shall display its registration number in plainly
distinguishable characters no less than three inches high.
The method of identification display for various types of
off-road vehicles shall be determined by appropriate reg-
ulations of the Department of MOtor Vehicles and the
Department of (Conservation, Natural Resources).

(It is suggested that appropriate regulations for snow-
mobiles require painted characters on each side of the
front cowling.)

LI: LICK)! SING

No person shall operate an off-road vehicle on, across, or
within 10 feet of any public road, street or highway unless
licensed to operate a motor vehicle in this State. Any
non-resident of this State who is duly licensed to operate

a motor vehicle in the State of his residence may operate an

147

off-road vehicle in this State provided he meets the other
requirements of this act.

5: NON RESIDENTS

Registration of an off-road vehicle in any other State or
Province is valid in this State for a period of 20 days
from.the time of arrival into this State, provided that
vehicle identification meets the requirements of section 3
of this act.

6: TEMPORARY PERMITS

In lieu of permanent registration, non-resident owners of
off-road vehicles may secure temporary permits and vehicle
identification numbers for 15 days upon application to an
off-road vehicle dealer registered in the state and
licensed'by the state to issue permits. The fee for tem-
porary permits shall be $5.

7: TAXATION

Off-road vehicles shall not be taxed as motor vehicles.

8: DEALERS

All dealers of off-road vehicles shall be registered annu-
ally with the State Department of Motor Vehicles. Regis-
tration certificates shall be made available to a dealer for
the fee of $25 for one year.

A dealer shall maintain his off-road vehicles in a safe
condition. No dealer shall lease or otherwise make avail-
able for use an off-road vehicle to a person whom he has
reason to believe is incompetent to run such vehicle in a
lawful manner.

All dealers shall carry liability insurance or have proof
that the user of his off-road vehicle has vehicle liability
insurance of at least (depending on State law).

All off-road vehicles provided for temporary use by a dealer
shall be identified in accordance with regulations issued
under section 3.

148
9: OWNERSHIP TRANSFER

Within 15 days of the transfer of ownership, or part owner-
ship, other than a security interest, or the destruction or
abandonment of an off-road vehicle, written notice shall be
given to the Department of Motor Vehicles in such form as
the Department shall prescribe.

10: NOISE AND EXHAUST

No off-road vehicle may be operated in this State if it
makes unusual or excessive noise or if it emits obnoxious
exhaust fumes.

An off-road vehicle that produces a sound level of
decibels or more on the A scale at feet shall e
dammed to make an unusual or excessive noise. (No attempt
has been made to detail the provisions of this section.
See notes and appendix for material relevant to this
section.)

11: OPERATING RESTRICTIONS

No off-road vehicle shall be operated at any time:

(1) unless equipped with working headlights, tail.-
lights, brakes and proper mufflers;

(2) in a reckless or careless manner;
(3) in a manner dangerous to person or property;

(A) while the operator is under the intoxicating
influence of drugs or beverages;

(S) in any manner intended or reasonably to be
expected to harass, drive or pursue any wildlife;

(6) on any private property without permission of the
owner of the land or his agent;

(7) in a nursery or planting area;
(8) during the hours from one-half hour after sunset

to one-half hour before sunrise without display-
ing a lighted headlight and lighted tail-light.

149
12: SANITATION

No person shall litter or dispose of trash or garbage on
public land or rights-of-way.

13: HUNTING AND USE OF FIREARMS

Firearms or other instruments used to hunt shall not be
carried on any off-road vehicle in other than an unloaded
and.enclosed condition.

1h: LIABILITY

(l) The provisions of the State Mbtor Vehicle Finan-
cial Responsibility Act shall apply to off-road
vehicles and their operation, and the application
of such laws shall not be restricted to public
roads, but shall be of general application.

(2) The operator and owner of an off-road vehicle
shall be responsible and held accountable to the
owner of any lands where trees, shrubs, crops, or
other property have been damaged as a result of
travel over their premises.

15: ACCIDENTS

Any accident involving an off-road vehicle that results in
personal injury or death or property damage over
shall be reported to the Department of Mbtor VehicIes In a
manner determined by regulations of the Department.

 

16: SNOWMOBILE HIGHWAY USE

Snowmobiles shall not be operated on public roads and high-
ways, except that:

(l) Unplowed town and county roads:

Snowmobiles may be permitted to operate on
unplowed town and country roads.

(2) Crossings:

Snowmobiles meeting the requirements of this
act may cross public highways, roads, and

streets, as directly as possible, preferably
at right angles. Snowmobiles shall not cross

150

limited access highways. All crossings per-
mitted must be made in safety and.in a manner
that does not interfere with motor vehicle
traffic.

(3) Unloading:

Snowmobiles may operate off and alongside a
public highway, road or street for limited
distances from.the point of unloading from.a
motorized conveyance to the point at which
the snowmobile is intended and permitted to
be operated, whenever it is otherwise imprac-
tical to reach such an area.

17: ZONES OF USE

Off-road vehicles shall be restricted in the same manner as
motor vehicles in a State park or wildlife refuge, except
that snowmobiles may use trails specifically designated for
snowmobiles by the State. Snowmobile trails shall be so
designated only when the State Department of (Conservation,
Natural Resources) determines that natural, fish and wild-
life, and other recreational, aesthetic and public values
will not be adversely affected thereby.

No off-road vehicle shall Operate on any State land unless
on trails specifically designated by the State. Trails for
off-road vehicles shall be designated only when the State
Department of (Conservation, Natural Resources) determines
that natural, fish and wildlife and other recreational,
aesthetic and public values will not be adversely affected
thereby.

The Department of (Conservation, Natural Resources) shall
specify by regulation the weather and trail conditions which
will permit proper use of such trails by off-road vehicles
and snowmobiles.

18. MUNICIPALITIES

Incorporated towns and municipalities shall have the author-
ity to establish time periods for off-road vehicle use and
to designate places of off-road vehicle operation not incon-
sistent with State laws and regulations.

19: PENALTIES

Violation of any section of this act shall be considered a

misdemeanor punishable by a fine of $10 to $100 and/or
imprisonment up to 90 days.

151
20: ENFORCEMENT

Any law enforcement officer of the State, including State
foresters and fish and game officials, shall be authorized
to enforce the provisions of this act.

APPENDIX B

MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT REPORT

FORM MV-104

W404 II I IOEI sun or new vows alumnus»? or HOTOR Vlmcus
REPORT OF MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDINT

“Mt! HO . TIME 0' A IONTH DAV any or wax or p"
ACO
AH PM

LIGHT couomou D I. onvuowr [j a. 61mm C] 3. cuss D a. nun: ROAD nouns C] I can none UNLIGHTEO
a.
ACCIDENT "woman: no. KILLED no. INJURED no. or VEHICLE. PROPERTY mum own D

. CITY or OR VILLAGE OF mugponrnnon
REFIRINC!

IN TOWN 0' counum'ry HARRIR

some so. on I‘I’REET mm: n my". noun no. on STREET anus
ucr-on

NILE.
°" C) C] C) C]

MIDDLE INITIAL

HERD-ODD ‘0

"UNDER AND ETREET DATE OF

B ' RN LEARNER' I

nv.
C) unucswuo ERHIT C) rum?

PHVGICAL FELL HAD DEER

our sun mot-nun:

C] vs: C] recur CI nun C] ~01 manual:
7 A I 7 I I
up com 0 I a c s a
n o o a o o a

DEECRIDE DAMAGE TO VEHICLE

MIDDLE INITIAL

HUNGER AND STREET

- . INTERIM
UNLICENEED PERHIT

run: mun MIDDLE INITIAL us: mun awn-cu. nu. mu: mu
C] non-m. C] ILL DEFECT nun Dam-um

TO
RUHDER AND STREET

VEHICLE HARE AND YEAR VEHICLE IDEHT HO ETATE 0P REGIETRATIOH EXPIRATION
MTH VEAR

Dawn" nus? HARE moat: mm“. LAST NAME

NUHDER AND ETREET

FLY

APPARERT CONDITION OF “IVER

must HARE ”WWI-

DEGCRIRE DAHAGE TO VEHICLE
HUHGER AND ITREET

ZIP CODE EETIHATED
CO
. REPAIR.

 

 

I. IDENTIFICATION OF DAMAGED PROPERTY OTHER THAN VEHICLE EETIHATED FILH GERIAL HUI-ER - DEPARTMENT UGE ONLY
CORT OF
REPAIR.

 

 

OWNER‘D NAHE AHD ADDRE’I

 

 

IHGTRUCTIONG - COMPLETE ENTIRE REPORT ENTER "UNKNOWN" WHERE INFORMATION NOT AVAILAILE.

I AH ACCIDENT IN NEW YORK ETATE CAUEIHG DEATH. PERDONAL IHJUR' OR DAMAGE I. IF MORE THAN I VEHICLE. WERE INVOLVED OR HORE THAN A PEREOHG
OVER .I'O TO THE PROPERTY OF ANY ONE PERDOH HUGT GE REPORTED WITHIN IO INJURED. ATTACH ADDITIONAL REPORT. IN DUPLICATE IF INH-DRIED
DAVE FAILURE TO REPORT WITHIN IO DAVE I. A HIEDEHEANOR AND EUIJECT! REEULTED IN DEATH AFTER FILING THII REPORT, NOTIFY THE COHHID-
LICENCE AND/OR REGIETRATIONJO EUGPEHEION UNTIL REPORT IE FILED DIONER IN WRITING IHHEDIATELV

E. REPORT HURT GE EIGHED ON REVEREE. DATED AND EURHITTED IN DUPLICATE TO A. IN ADDITION TO FILING THIE REPORT. VOU EHOULD ALDO REPORT ACCI
COHHIDDIONER OP HOTOR VEHICLEE. IDA CENTRAL AVENUE. ALIAHV. N.Y. I180. DENT TO YOUR IHEURAHCE REPREEEHTATIVE FAILURE TO DO E0 HAT

JEOPARDIEE YOUR AUTOHORILE LIAGILITV INGURANC

152

153

IVID‘IIIIDGI

E. KILLED on INMD IN ACCIDENT
D YED
IN VENIG‘
NUNGER

PERSON
PEDEETRIAN DICYCLIDT

U V“ D
on: at m vuucu
cum mam

AND D‘TATE WAD PERDON EJEC'TED

CITY AND ETATE

DDCIL'J

IT. ACTION. or VEHICLE
TYPE 0' ACCIDENT . D E WEATHER G m D D. CONDITION or “P". ACCIDENT
'Io‘fl..‘~ . ONE ”I m EACH VEHICLE!

VENICLE

at“. an an. moan non? IN - "ILLc'n' ' g ’

AND PEDEETRIAN OPERATION
IN

I A. ROAD DURPACE

I. WIPTI“ A” APPARENT CAU- OP ACCW

.V...’.'

”I“ ETRAIGHT ANEAD
OVERTARING

MAKING RIGHT TIRN
MAKING LEPT TURN
MAKING A “U" TURN
RACKING

ETARTING IN TRAP . LANE
ETDPPED IN TRAP. LANE

. ETARTING PRON PARKING

DLOWING on ETOPPING

 

 

 

 

 

 

11m I n on nccnouu. "‘°"' "rag-7"" av D new new vumcu A. on mom or mom. snow ooucnou av mow -—p
EHO“ IAN
”0,, ammo .7 ml touo um TO snow nm or men on um“ um: ACCIOIH
fl

  
 

W 1%L5\l

 

 

(D‘—

oo'rno um mu team? To ------D
wow mun. LOCATION 0' «men
AND/0R PM!“ -— - one-no’o

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

          

so. mouuucc mum-«non w“ an wronomu unnuvv poucv pnowomo poucv no lroucv "moo
you n LEAIT “0.000110 ooo ooqu mun-v nun ".000 PROPERTY mum
LIADILITY INDURANCE m truer on not can or In: accmtun l I no ONO non 19
mm: or INGURANCE coo-um mun: or
wmcu Imto raucv mum
«an: no Amati.
a POLICYNOLDER I -
was nmcu ovuuno I' to. RAN—I moo Anon-
anon Plum? 0! ICC own no or Paul? noun:
Io con-I an: «run conuom Ir uU-INRURIO me
an mm mm mt conmsmoutn ow: can. no. out!

       

 

 

 

  

El mo POLICE

INVE no" [out

w A
[3 no ONO “moronIcu

   

 

     
 

DATE TILED EIGNATURE DP DRIVER N VEIRCLE NO. I

  

IN ACCIDENT OR OWNER OP VEHICLE.

j -
IP DIGNED DY PERM OTHER THAN DRIVER. DIVE READDN AND INDICATE IP PARTICIPANT WAD

APPENDIX C

OFFICE OF PARKS AND RECREATION ACCIDENT

REPORT FORM MRV-ZOZS

MRV-202S I1 0”!”

 

NEW YORK STATE EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT - - PARKS AND RECREATION

DA TE OF THIS REPORT

DIVISION OF MARINE 8r RECREATIONAL VEHICLES

l

ALBANY, NEW YORK 12226

SNOWMOBILE ACCIDENT REPORT 1

REG IS TRA TION NUMBER
OF REPORTING SNOWMOBILE

 

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 8-0309 ol the New Yorlr State Snowmobile Law. the operator oI a snowmobile involved in an accident result-
ing in death, personal injury or damage to property of $100.00 or more must report the accident to the Office oI Parks and Recreation. Division at
Marine and Recreational Vehicles within 7 days. It the operator is physically incapable of making such report, and there is another participant in
the accident. then such participant shell melre the report. In caset where the operator and the participants are physically incapable of making such
reports, thentha owner shall melts the report. Failure to comply with these requirements shall constitute an oliense punishable by a line of not less
than five dollars nor more than one hundred dollars.

 

1. TIME AND PLACE OF ACCIDENT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A. Date ot Accident 8. Time C. State 0. Nearest City, Town. Etc. E. County
AM
PM ‘- . ‘F.’
F. Exact Location 6. Type of Terrain
(Name of trail or area, fix location precisely)
1. Woods
3. Trail I. Roadway
2. Field

 

 

 

 

2. DATA (Check all appropriate items in box to left of number or fill In)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  
 

 

 
 
  
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A. Name 8! Address 0f ODOVOIOV B. Operator‘s Age C. Operator's E xperionce
1. Less than 20 home 3. 100 to 500 hours
2. 20 to 100 hows 4. Over 500 nOurs
0‘ Name 5 Address 0' Owner 6. Have you had lormal Instruction in snowmobiling? .4
6. Operator's Certificate No. J
E. Snowmobile Track
< —~ --- - -——<
1. Rubber 3. Boole Wheels 5. Width of
Rum Steel ~ ~ Track
.-._ __ _._, - "fi— - _ ._ 2. CURL 4. SiIde Suspension __
F. Snowmobile G. Propulsion
Make J. Length Fr. 1. I Cylinder IA. Other 6. Total Horsepower
Weight 2. Width Ft. 2. 2 Cylinders 5. CC.
Model 3. Year Built 3. 3 Cylinders
3. WEATHER AND SNOW CONDITIONS {Check all awropn’ale items In box to left of number)
A. Weather 8. Vlsibility C. Snow 0. Wino
-. --.-———-.——- 2— _,.___._.__-..,_ --—. “I . ~———— —— -<
1. Clear 4 Snow . ‘ 1. Good .2 l._Sm_oo_th “"i*‘"l 1. N91” 4.'Stron9 ... ___._
2. F29 5. Other (Specify) 2 Fair I 2130th 2. Light
,.
3. Rain 3. Poor ] 3. None 3. Modmalo °' S'°"“
4. OPERATION AT TIME OF ACCIDENT (Check all .Ippropriate Items In box to left of number or (III III)
A. Underway 8. Not Underway IC. Number ol Persons
.- __ -- _. ...- 3. ._ .3- -_ __ 33 P
1. Crulslnl _ 3. Towing Sieg_“ 6. Racing 1. Attended c. Other (Specify) (ligpximmoblle
2. Maneuvering _ 4. Towing (0010:) 7. Other (Specify) I 2 Parked
5. BOUT. Towed , 3. Fuelin.
5. TYPE, NATURE OR CLASSIFICATION OF ACCIDENT (Chm-k all nppruprmle Itmns m box to left of numlmr or fill in)
SNOWMOBII, F. CASUALTY
.__.. T ETC-O-IIIIISR -.-_ ' -5733}? I ' ‘ ' "‘ 7. Com—Jon with‘ 9. StrucIt Haida; "'— ‘Tiimier "KEITH
l. Oyerturning with Explosion Another Snow om.“ in Snow
Person (Fuel) mobile
b-‘H‘ u- m--- . . -_. .. u...— . . _..4 .._,....__.—..---.....4L. ‘ -_. _._.- -
4. Collision 6. Fire or E xplor 8. Collision with 10 Disappearance
2. Sklddin. with slon (Other e lured object ol Snowmobile
Motor Vehicle than Fuel)
. . P l I i . P D
B Deeths _ _-_7__ .3 fir” C ersona _ nlur es__ _ ______ M. - M D regartern'g-qe _
No Cause No. Cause No. Cause Item Damaged This Vessel Other Vessels
I. '_ ‘l. FelLOIl 5_§;,'“°:,°V 3m" .." snorimomie s ‘__ s
L 2. Track Injury 6. Other (5006)") 2. Accessory Equipment S S
3. 3. Burns or Scolds 3. Damage to Other Property
‘. Cfum“ 0T Pinch“ (DOSCIIOO on "m’ s

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GIVE A BRIEF BUT CLEAR DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCIDENT. USE ADDITIONAL SHEETS IF NECESSARY

 

NOT

 

COMPLETE TWO COPIES OF THIS FORM

- ,SEND ONE COPY TO THE DIVISION OF MARINE O RECREATIONAL VEHICLES

 

 

 

F

CONTINUED ON REVERSE SIDE

154

UNTY N WHICH AOOIOE’WT occ'fi‘l’i'fi‘ ’

 

155

 

Met, in your opinion, caused the accident?

 

7. LIVES LOST

8. PE RSONS INJURED

 

A. List Names G Addresses

A. List Names, Addresses: mture and Entent Ff Injury

 

 

S. PROPE RTY DAMAGE

 

Describe Property Damaged, Include Name C Address at Owner:

 

10. WITNESSES

I ‘I . ASSISTANCE—FURNISHED-

 

A List Names 6 Addresses of All Known Wittnesaes

.‘.. List Known Police, Firo Dept., Rescue Squads, EtE‘.

 

 

12. PERSONS ON SNOWMOBILE (Other than operator)

 

 

 

 

13. REMARKS: (include opinion how similar acadents can be prevented or avoided ll) :ha future.)

NAME AOOREss AGE
NAME ADDRESS ' AGE
NAME AoonEss A'OE

 

14. NAME, ADDRESS OF OPERATOR AND REGISTRATION NUMBER OF OTHER VEHICLE; iN‘v'OL'JZD.

I declare under the penslties of perlury that to the best OI my knowledge and belief, the description and statements made herein are true and correct

a!

 

 

 

-" " — _ m mfir‘ rm, If

 

 

GE RATOR'S SIGNATURE qushone Number

1 -—‘\- r -we-“

 

 

(COMPLETE ALL APPLICABLE SECTIONS OR FORMS WILL BE RETURNEDI

 

APPENDIX D

VEHICLE AND TRAFFIC LAWS RELATIVE TO
SNOWMOBILES IN EFFECT DURING WINTER

SEASON 1969-1970

VEHICLE AND TRAFFIC LAWS RELATIVE TO SNOWMOBILES
IN EFFECT DURING WINTER SEASON 1969-1970

375-a. Equipment for snowmobiles and snow tra-
vellers. It shall be unlawful to Operate on any public
highway in this state any snowmobile or snow traveller
unless it is equipped with a suitable braking device or
system, a suitable horn or other device for signaling, a
red reflector approved by the commissioner attached to
the rear, and if Operated on a public highway during the
period from one-half hour after sunset tO one-half hour
before sunrise, one white or amber lighted lamp approved
by the commissioner in front, one lighted red lamp on the
rear and a light illuminating the number plate carried on
the rear.

410. Registration Of motorcycles, snowmobiles
and snow travellers; fees; renewals. NO motorcycles,
snowmobiles or snow travellers shall be operated or driven
upon the public highways Of this state without first being
registered in accordance with provisions Of this article,

except as otherwise expressly provided in this chapter.

156

 

157

Every owner of a motorcycle, snowmobile or snow
traveller which shall be Operated or driven upon the
public highways of this state shall, except as otherwise
expressly provided, cause to be filed, by mail or other-
wise, in the Office or a branch Office Of the commissioner,
or with an agent Of the commissioner, constituted as pro- ‘
vided in this chapter, an application for registration, —}
addressed tO the commissioner, and on a blank to be pre-

pared under the direction Of and furnished by the commis-

 

sioner for that purpose, containing: (a) a brief descrip- 5
tion Of the motorcycle to be registered, including the
name Of the manufacturer and factory number of such
vehicle; (b) the name, residence, including county and
business address of the owner of such motorcycle, snow-
mobile Or snow traveller.

2. Registration record. Upon the receipt Of a
sufficient application for registeration, as provided in
this article, the commissioner or agent receiving it
shall register such motorcycle, snowmobile or snow travel-
1er, and maintain a record of the registration Of such
.motorcycle, snowmobile or snow traveller under the dis-
tinctive number assigned to such motorcycle, snowmobile
or snow traveller, as provided in this section, and the
information in such record may be Obtained upon payment

of the fees specified in section two hundred two of this‘

chapter .

158

3. Certificate Of registration. Upon the filing
Of such application and the payment of the fee hereinafter
provided, the commissioner shall assign to such motorcycle,
snowmobile or snow traveller, a distinctive number and,
without expense to the applicant, issue and deliver in
such manner as the commissioner may select tO the owner
a certificate Of registration in such form as the commis- []
, . ,. ‘

sioner may prescribe, and a number plate at a place within

.I JI-

m‘

the state Of New York named by the applicant in his appli-

cation. A certificate Of registration shall not be valid

ups-nu-
L
.1

unless it is signed by the person who signed the applica-
tion for registration. In the event Of the loss, mutila-
tion or destruction Of any certificate Of registration or
number plate, the owner of a registered vehicle may file
such statement and proof Of the facts as the commissioner
shall require, with a fee Of one dollar, in the Office

of the commissioner, or, unless and until the commissioner
shall otherwise direct, in the Office Of the agent who
issued the certificate or plate and the commissioner or
his agent, as the case may be, shall issue a duplicate or
substitute.

4. Times for registration and reregistration.
Registration applied for and certificates issued under
any application shall expire on a date determined by the
commissioner. Registration shall be renewed periodically
in the same manner and upon payment of the same annual

fee as provided in this section for registration, to take

 

159

effect and to expire on dates to be determined by the com-
missioner. Provided, however, that the commissioner shall
have authority to fix the length Of time for which any such
vehicle which is registered without fee shall be regis-
tered. Provided further, however, that renewal of a
registration may be used during the thirty day period

immediately preceding the expiration date of such regis-

 

tration including such expiration date. Provided, however,
that when a registration or renewal thereof is made for a
period of more or less than one calendar year, the annual F
fees as provided in this section shall be increased or
reduced proportionately on a monthly computation basis.
5. Registration fees. The following fees shall
be paid to the commissioner or agent upon the registration
or reregistration of a motorcycle, or snowmobile or snow
traveller in accordance with the provisions of this arti-
cle: If the weight Of the motorcycle, snowmobile or
snow traveller fully equipped be two hundred pounds or
less, two dollars, if such weight be more than two hundred
pounds, and not more than five hundred fifty pounds, five
dollars.and if such weight be more than five hundred fifty
pounds, one dollar for each one hundred pounds or major
fraction thereof.
9. "Snowmobile" and "snow traveller” as used in
this section shall mean a vehicle designed for travel over
snow or ice, supported by skis or runners and propelled

by a traction wheel or belt.

APPENDIX E

THE HARRIS BILL (4862-A) RELATIVE TO SNOWMOBILE

IN EFFECT DURING WINTER SEASON 1970-1971

.>s‘..‘.l

THE HARRIS BILL (h862-A) RELATIVE TO SNOWMOBILE
IN EFFECT DURING WINTER SEASON 1970-1971

Section 1. Section one hundred twenty-five of the
vehicle and traffic law, as last amended by chapter seven
hundred six Of the laws of nineteen hundred sixty-seven,
is hereby amended to read as follows:

125. Motor Vehicles. Every vehicle operated or driven
upon a public highway which is propelled by any power other
than muscular power, except (a) electrically-driven invalid
chairs being operated or driven by an invalid, (b) vehicles
which run only upon rails or tracks, and (c) snomebiles as
defined and regulated in article eight of the conservation
law. For the purposes Of title four, the term motor vehicle
shall exclude fire and police vehicles. For the purposes
Of titles four and five the term.motor vehicle shall exclude
farm type tractors used exclusively for agricultural pur-
poses, Or for snow plowing, other than for hire, farm equip-
ment, including self-propelled machines used exclusively
in growing, harvesting or handling farm produce, and self-
propelled caterpillar or crawler-type equipment while being
operated on the contract site.

2. Subdivision thirty-three of section three hundred
seventy-five of such law, as added by chapter six hundred
eight of the laws of nineteen hundred sixty and, as last
amended by chapter three hundred fifty-nine Of the laws
of nineteen hundred sixty-seven, is hereby ammnded to read
as follows:

33. The provisions of this section shall not apply to
fire and police vehicles, self-propelled combines, self-
propelled corn and hay harvesting machines, farm type trac-
tors used exclusively for agricultural purposes or for snow
plowing other than for hire, and self-propelled caterpillar
or crawler-type equipment while being operated on the con-
tract site except when reference is specifically made to
such vehicle.

3. Section three hundred seventy-five-a of such law
is hereby repealed.

h. Section four hundred ten Of such law, such section
having been amended by chapter nine hundred seventy-four of
the laws Of nineteen hundred sixty-six, subdivision two
thereof having been last amended by chapter eighty Of the
laws of nineteen hundred sixty-seven, subdivisions four

160

 

161

and five thereof having been last amended by chapter one
hundred seventeen of the laws of nineteen hundred sixty-
seven is hereby amended to read as follows:

th. Registration of motorcycles; fees; renewals.
1. Registration by owners. No motorcycles shall be
operated or driven upon the public highways of this state
without first being registered in accordance with the
provisions of this article, except as otherwise expressly
provided in this chapter.

Every owner of a motorcycle which shall be operated or
driven upon the public highways of this state shall, except
as otherwise expressly provided, cause to be filed, by mail
or otherwise, in the office or a branch office of the
commissioner, or with an agent of the commissioner, con-
stituted as provided in this chapter, an application for
registration, addressed to the commissioner, and on a blank
to be prepared under the direction of and furnished by the
commissioner for that purpose, containing: (a) A brief
description of the motorcycle to be registered, including
the name of the manufacturer and factory number of such
vehicle; (b) the name, residence, including county and
business address of the owner of such motorcycle.

2. Registration record. Upon the receipt of a suffi-

cient application for registration, as provided in this arti-

cle, the commissioner or agent receiving it shall register
such motorcycle, and.maintain a record of the registration
of such motorcycle under the distinctive number assigned to

such motorcycle, as provided in this section, and the infor-

mation in such record may be obtained.upon payment of the
fees specified in section two hundred two of this chapter.

3. Certificate of registration. Upon the filing of
such application and the payment of the fee hereinafter
provided, the commissioner shall assign to such motorcycle,
a distinctive number and, without expense to the applicant,
issue and deliver in such.manner as the commissioner may
select to the owner a certificate of registration, in such
form as the commissioner may prescribe, and a number plate
at a place within the state of New York named by the appli-
cant in his application. A certificate of registration
shall not be valid unless it is signed by the person who
signed the application for registration. In the event of
the loss, mutilation or destruction of any certificate of
registration or number plate, the owner of a registered
vehicle may file such statement and proof of the facts as
the commissioner shall require, with a fee or one dollar,
in the office of the commissioner, or, unless and until the
commissioner shall otherwise direct, in the office of the
agent who issued the certificate or plate and the commis-
sioner or his agent, as the case may be, shall issue a
duplicate or substitute.

162

u. Times for registration and reregistration. Reg-
istration applied for and certificates issued under any
application shall expire on a date determined by the com-
mdssioner. Registration shall be renewed periodically in
the same manner and upon payment of the same annual fee as
provided in this section for registration, to take effect
and to expire on dates to be determined by the commissioner.
Provided, however, that the commissioner shall have author-
ity to fix the length of time for which any such vehicle
which is registered without fee shall be registered. Pro-
vided further, however, that renewal of a registration may
be used during the thirty day period immediately preceding
the expiration date of such registration including such
expiration date. Provided, however, that when a registra-
tion or renewal thereof is made for a period of more or
less than one calendar year, the annual fees as provided in
this section shall be increased or reduced proportionately
on a monthly computation basis.

5. Registration fees. The following fees shall be
paid to the commissioner or agent upon the registration or
reregistration of a motorcycle in accordance with the
provisions of this article: If the weight of the motor-
cycle fully equipped be two hundred pounds or less, two
dollars, if such weight be more than two hundred pounds and
not more than five hundred fifty pounds, five dollars and
if such weight be more than five hundred fifty pounds, one
dollar for each one hundred pounds or major fraction thereof.
The provisions hereof with respect to the payment of reg-
istration fees shall not apply to motorcycles owned or con-
trolled by the state, a city, county, village or town or
any of the departments thereof, or any school district or

county extension service association, but in other respects
shall be applicable.

6. Fees in lieu of taxes. The registration fees
imposed by this article upon such vehicles shall be in lieu
of all taxes, general or local, to which motorcycles may be
subject.

7. "Motorcycle" as used in this section shall mean a
motorcycle as defined by section one hundred twenty-three of
this chapter.

5. The conservation law is hereby amended by adding
thereto a new article to be article eight thereof, to read
as follows:

ARTICLE 8

SNOWMOBILES
TITLE 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS.
2. REGI STRATJ. ON AN 1) N UMBERII‘IG.

3. CONTROL PROVISIONS.

163
LL. ENFORCEMENT.
5. MISCELLANEOUS.
TITLE 1
GENERAL PROVISImS
Section 8-0101. Legislative Purpose.
8-0103. Jurisdiction of Conservation Department.
8-0105. Definitions.
8-0107. Powers and Duties.

8-0101. Legislative purpose.

It is the intent of this article to promote the safe
and proper use of snowmobiles for recreation and commerce
in this state by encouraging their use and development and
minimizing detrimental effects of such use upon the environ-
ment.

8-0103. Jurisdiction of Conservation Department.

The registration and the control and supervision of the
use of snowmobiles shall be under the Jurisdiction of the
Conservation Department and.may be administered by such
division thereof as the Commissioner shall determine.

8-0105. Definitions.

1. For the purposes of this article the terms defined
herein shall have the meaning ascribed to them.

2. "Person" includes an individual, partnership, cor-
poration, the state and its agencies and subdivisions, and
any body of persons, whether incorporated or not.

3. "Snowmobiles" means a self-propelled vehicle
designed for travel on snow or ice steered by skis or
runners, and supported in part by skis, belts or cleats.

u. "Owner" means a person other than a lien holder,
having the property in or title to a snowmobile.

S. "Operate" means to ride in or on, other than as a
passenger, use or control the operation of a snowmobile in
any manner, whether or not said snowmobile is under way.

6. "Operator" means every person who operates or is in
actual physical control of a snowmobile.

164

7. "Register" means the act of assigning a registra-
tion number to a snowmobile.

8. "Commissioner" means the Conservation Commissioner
acting directly or through his authorized agent.

9. "Department" means the Conservation Department.

10. "Public Way" means any highway, road, street,
avenue, alley, public place or public driveway.

ll. "Roadway" means that portion of a highway improved,
designed, or ordinarily used for vehicular travel.

12. "Street or Highway" means the entire width between
boundary lines of any way or place when any part thereof is
open to the use of the public, as a matter of right for the
purpose of vehicular traffic.

13. "Cowling" means the forward portion of the snow-
mobile usually of fiberglass, or similar material, surround-
ing the motor and clutch assembly.

In. "Dealer" means a person, partnership, or corpora-
tion engaged in the business of selling snowmobiles at
wholesale or retail.

15. "Special Event" means rallies, races, demonstra-
tions, exhibits or organized events conducted under written
authorization of the Commissioner.

16. A "Snowmobile Operator's Certificate" means a
certificate issued by the Commissioner evidencing that the
holder thereof has successfully completed an approved course
of instruction in snowmobile operation and safety as herein-
after provided.

8-0107. Powers and Duties.

For the purpose of carrying out the provisions of this
aritcle, the Department shall have the power, duty and
authority, to administer and enforce all statutes, rules
and regulations, except as otherwise provided by statute,
relating to the operation and use of snowmobiles within
the state, including but not limited to the following:

1. Registration, identification, numbering, classi-
fication and control;

2. Equipment;

3. Standards of safety:

I
w u..-

165
A. Use on state lands and waters;
5. Educational programs;
6. State aid to localities;

7. Promulgate rules and regulations to effectuate the
purposes of this article.

TITLE 2
REGISTRATION AND NUMBERING
Section 8-0201. Registration
8-0203. Display of Registration Numbers.
8-0205. Registration Record.
8-0207. Certificate of Registration.
8-0209. Licensing by Political Subdivisions.
8-0201. Registration.

1. Except as hereinafter provided, no person shall
after January 1, 1971 operate any snowmobile within the
state unless such snowmobile has been registered and hump
bered in accordance with the provisions of this article.
Notwithstanding the mandatory registration of snowmobiles,
effective January 1, 1971, the Department is nevertheless
authorized to assign identification numbers and register
snowmobiles on and after October 1, 1970.

2. After January 1, 1971, no person shall Operate or
permit the operation of any such snowmobile within the state
unless it is registered and numbered in accordance with the
provisions of this article and the registration number for
such snowmobile is in full force and effect and displayed
as hereinafter provided.

3. The Commissioner or his duly authorized represen-
tative is authorized to register a snowmobile, issue a
registration certificate, and assign a registration number
to such snowmobile. All such registrations shall be valid
for a period of one year unless, prior to expiration of the
one year period it is surrendered, cancelled, revoked or
suspended pursuant to the provisions of this article.

A. A number once assigned under this section shall
remain with the registered snowmobile until the snowmobile
is destroyed, abandoned or permanently removed from the

166
state, or until changed or terminated by the Commissioner.

5. Fees for registration of snowmobiles, to be
collected by the Commissioner under this article are as
follows:

a. A fee of five dollars for each individual resident
registration.

b. A fee of five dollars for each indvidual non-
resident registration.

c. A fee of twenty-five dollars for each dealer reg-
istration.

d. A fee of one dollar for replacement of loss,
mutilated or destroyed certificate.

6. The owner of each snowmobile requiring registry
under this section shall present to the Commissioner, an
application for registration, on a blank to be prepared
and furnished by the Commissioner for that purpose. The
said application shall contain or be accompanied by such
evidence of the ownership of the snowmobile described in
the application as may be required.by the Commissioner.

7. Any person who is in the business of selling snow-
mobiles shall register as a dealer. The Commissioner, upon
receipt of application and.the required fee, shall assign
a distinguishing dealer registration number to the regis-
trant and issue appropriate registration certificate to hnm.
Dealer registrations are not transferrable.

8. Renewal. Every owner of a snowmobile and dealers
shall renew his registration in such manner as the Commis-
sioner shall prescribe, upon payment of the same registra-
tion fees provided in subdivision five hereof.

9. Validating date tag. At the time of the original
registration and at the time of each annual renewal thereof,
the Commissioner shall also issue to said registrant a date
tag or tags indicating the validity of the current regis-
tration and the expiration date thereof, which validating
date tag or tags shall be affixed to the snowmobile in such
manner as the Commissioner may prescribe.

Notwithstanding the fact that a snowmobile has been
assigned an identifying number, it shall not be considered
as validly registered within the meaning of this section
unless a validating date tag and current registration cer-
tificate has been issued.

167

10. Denial of current registration. In the event
that a snowmobile sought to be registered or reregistered
does not, after inspection and testing, comply with the
grovisions respecting equipment established.by Section

-0305 or by the regulations of the Department, the Commis-
sioner may deny the issuance of a validating date tag and
current certificate of registration.

11. Snowmobiles owned by state or political sub-
division. A registration number shall be assigned, without
the payment of a fee, for snowmobiles owned by the State of
New York or a political subdivision thereof or snowmobiles
owned by volunteer organizations and used exclusively for
emergency purposes, upon application therefor, provided
however that each such snowmobile shall display the proper
registration number assigned to it.

12. Exemptions. No registration shall be required by
the following described snowmobiles:

a. Snowmobiles owned and used by the United States,
another state, or a political subdivision thereof, but such
snowmobiles shall display the name of the owner on the cowl-
ing thereof.

b. Snowmobiles covered'by a valid registration or
license of another state, province or country.

13. Out of State Snowmobile Registration. The regis-
tration provisions of this article shall not apply to non-
resident owners who have complied with the registration.and
licensing laws of the state, province, district or country
of residence, provided that the snomebile is appropriately
identified in accordance with the laws of the state of
residence. Nothing in this subdivision shall be construed
to authorize the operation of any snowmobile contrary to
the provisions of this article.

8-0203. Display of Registration Numbers.

1. The registration numbers assigned to a snowmobile
shall be displayed on the vehicle at all times in such
manner as the Commissioner may, by regulation, prescribe.
No number other than the number assigned to a snowmobile by
the Commissioner or the identification number of the regis-
tration in another state, shall be painted, attached or
otherwise displayed on either side of the cowling except
that racing numbers on a snowmobile being operated in
prearranged organized special events may be temporarily
displayed for the duration of the race.

2. Dealer registration numbers shall conform to the
requirements set forth in dubdivision (l) of this Section

-168

with the exception that the numbers assigned may be printed
upon or attached to a removable plaque or plaques to be
temporarily but firmly affixed to the snowmobile being
demonstrated or tested.

3. Numbers issued to dealers and.manufacturers for
the purpose of demonstration or testing, shall be used
exclusively for these purposes and no other use is permitted.

8-0205. Registration Record.

Upon receipt of a sufficient application for registra-
tion of a snowmobile, as provided in this article, the
Commissioner, or his agent receiving it, shall enter upon
the records of the Department the registration of such
vehicle under the distinctive number assigned to such
snowmobile as provided in the Section.

8-0207. Certificate of Registration.

1. Certificate. Upon the filing of such application
and payment of the fee as provided in this section, the
Commissioner, or his agent, shall assign to such snowmobile
a distinctive number and, without expense to the applicant,
issue and deliver in such manner as the Commissioner may
select to the owner a certificate of registration, in such
form as the Commissioner shall prescribe. A certificate of
registration shall not be valid unless it is signed by the
person who signed the application for registration. In the
event of the loss, mutilation or destruction of any certif-
icate of registration the owner of the registered snowmobile
may file such statement and proof of the facts as the Come
missioner shall require, with a fee of one dollar, to the
Department, for the issuance of a duplicate or substitute.

2. Carrying Certificate. Every person operating a
snowmobile registered or transferred in accordance with
any of the provisions of this article shall upon demand of
any magistrate, Conservation Enforcement Officer or other
representative of the Department, police officer or State
policeman or any peace officer, produce for inspection the
certificate of registration for such snowmobile and shall
furnish to such officer any information necessary for the
identification of such snowmobile and its owner. The fail-
ure to produce the certificate of registration as provided
herein shall be presumptive evidence in any court of com-
petent Jurisdiction of operating a snowmobile which is not
registered as required by this article.

3. Change of Residence. It shall be the duty of every
owner holding a certificate of registration to notify the
Department, in writing, of any change of residence of such
person within fifteen days after such change occurs, and to

169

inscribe on such certificate, in the place provided, a
record of such change of residence.

h. Change of Ownership. Whenever the ownership of a
snowmobile is transferred or the use of a snowmobile for
which a registration certificate has already been issued
is discontinued, the old registration certificate shall be
properly signed and executed by the owner showing that the
ownership of the snowmobile has been transferred or its use
discontinued and returned to the Department within fifteen
days after transfer or discontinuance. If there is a change
of ownership of a snowmobile for which a registration cer-
tificate has previously been issued, the new owner shall
apply for a new certificate. He shall set forth the original
number issued in the application accompanied by the old reg-
istration properly signed by the previous owner and with the
required fee of five dollars submit to the Department, for
registration. In the event that such snowmobile was pur-
chased through a bona fide dealer, then said application
must be accompanied by a dealer's form, as prescribed by
the Commissioner, numbered, completed and signed by the
dealer, or his agent and signed by the new owner.

5. Destruction, Theft or Removal from State. It shall
be the duty of every owner of a snowmobile registered pur-
suant to the provisions of this article to notify the Depart-
ment, in writing, of the destruction, theft or permanent
removal of such snowmobile from the state, within fifteen
days thereafter; and in the event of the destruction or
theft of such, shall surrender the certificate of registra-
tion with such notice.

8-0209. Licensing by Political subdivisions.

No political subdivision of the state shall require
licensing or registration of snowmobiles which are covered
by the provisions of this article; nor shall they require
possession of a valid motor vehicle operator's license as
a condition to permissable operation of a snowmobile on
lands owned or controlled by such subdivision.

Nothing herein shall however prohibit the requirement
of a permit by state or local parks for use of snowmobiles
on park lands. No charge for such use may be made, except
the usual charge, if any, for admission to such park or
parking privileges.

170

TITLE 3
CONTROL PROVISIONS
Section 8-0301. Rules and Regulations
8-0303. Operation of Snowmobiles.
8-0305. Equipment.
8-0307. Operation by Youthful Operators.
8-0309. Accidents; Reports.
8-0311. Liability for Negligence.
8-0301. Rules and Regulations.

With a view of achieving maximwm use of snowmobiles
and minimizing the detrimental effect thereof upon the
environment, the Conservation Commissioner shall adopt
rules and regulations relating to and including, but not
limited to the following:

1. Registration of snowmobiles and display of regis-
tration numbers.

2. Use of snowmobiles insofar as fish and wildlife
resources are affected.

3. Use of snowmobiles on public lands and waters
under the Jurisdiction of the Conservation Department.

h. Uniform signs to be used.by state, counties, towns,
cities, and villages, which are necessary or desirable to
control direct, or regulate the operation and use of snow-
mobiles. Such signs as may be designated for use on public
highways shall also be approved by the Commissioner of
Transportation.

5. Specifications relating to equipment required for
safety as provided in Section 8-0305.

6. Specifications relating to snowmobile mufflers and
the limitations on decibels of sound emitted by snowmobiles.

7. Requirements for the protection of private property
or interests therein occasioned by the use of snowmobiles.

8. Establishment of a comprehensive snowmobile infor-
mation and safety education and training program, including
provision for issuance of snowmobile safety certificates for
operation of snowmobiles by youthful operators.

171

9. The regulations pertaining to and the granting of
permits for the conduct of all pre-arranged special events
as provided in subdivision three of section 8-0303.

8-0303. Operation of Snowmobiles.

1. Operation generally. It shall be unlawful for any
person to drive or operate any snowmobile in the following
unsafe or harassing ways:

a. Imprudent Speed. At a rate of speed greater than
reasonable or proper under the surrounding circumstances;

b. Reckless operation. In a careless, reckless or
negligent manner so as to create an actual risk to the
person or property of another or to cause inJury or damage
thereto;

c. Intoxication and drugs. In the course of any
operation other than property owned or leased by the owner
or operator or a club or association of which he is a
member or guest, while in an intoxicated condition or under
the influence of narcotics or drugs as defined by Section
llu-a of the Vehicle and Traffic Law;

d. Lights. Between sunset and sunrise or when
required fir safety without displaying at least one lighted
headlight and lighted tail-light.

e. Railroad Tracks. On the tracks of an operating
railroad.

f. Plantings. In any tree nursery or planting in a
manner which damages or destroys growing stock, or create a
substantial risk thereto.

3. On Lands of Another. On private property, without
the consent of the owner or lessor thereof. Any person
operating a snowmobile upon lands of another shall stop and
identify himself upon the request of the landowner or his
duly authorized representatives, and, if requested to do so
by said landowner shall promptly remove said snowmobile
from the premises.

2. Operation on Streets and Highways. It shall be
unlawful for any person to drive or operate any snowmobile
on public streets or highways other than in the following
cases and no other:

a. On the State Thruway, interstate highways and
limited-acess state highways. Snowmobiles shall not be
operated on the State Thruway, or interstate and limited-
access state highways except for emergency travel only,

172

during the period of time when, and at locations where
permitted by the Thruway Authority or the Commissioner of
Transportation.

b. On other public streets and highways. On state
highways other than the Thruway, interstate highways and
1tmited-acess highways and on county, town, city and village
streets, roadways and.highways, snowmobiles may take a
direct crossing at any time of the day provided:

(1) The crossing is made at an angle of approximately
ninety degrees to the direction of the highway and at a
place where no obstruction prevents a quick and safe cross-
ing; and

(2) The snowmobile is brought to a complete stop
before crossing the shoulder or main traveled way of the
highway, and

(3) The driver yields the right of way to all oncomP
ing traffic which constitutes an immediate hazard; and

(R) If the crossing is made between the hours of
sunset and sunrise or in conditions of reduced visability,
only if both front and rear lights are on.

c. Other than as provided in clause a and b above,
snowmobiles may be operated on public streets and highways
in the following cases and no other:

(1) Emergencies. In an emergency, as so declared by
the appropriate chief executive officer, and for the purpose
of emergency travel only, on any public highway, during the
period of time when and at locations where snow upon the
roadway renders travel by automobile impracticable;

(2) Culverts and Bridges. On state highways other
than the Thruway, interstate and limited-acess highways,
and on county, town, city or village streets and roads,
when necessary to cross a bridge or culvert.

(3) Uncongested highways designated by municipality.
0n the shoulders of county, town, city or village streets
or roads or portions thereof, which have been designated by
appropriate law or ordinance by the municipality charged
with the responsibility therefor, as uncongested and safe
for snowmobile travel, a copy of which law or ordinance shall
be filed with the Commissioner;

(h) Unplowed roads. On county, town, city or village
streets or roads during the periods when and at locations
where the road is customarily unplowed and unused during
the winter months for automobile travel;

173

(5) Outside slopes. On state roads, other than the
Thruway and.interstate and limited-access highways, and on
county, town, city and.village roads and streets, on the
slopes or area outside the guard rails, if any, and on the
back side of any snow embankment at least fifteen feet from
the outside edge of the shoulder of the road; and

(6) Access areas. On state roads, other than the
Thruway and interstate and limited-access highways, and
on county, town, city and village roads and streets, when-
ever it is otherwise impossible to gain immediate access to
an area adJacent to such public highway where a snowmobile
is to be operated, parallel to the highway and for a dis-
tance of not to exceed five hundred yards for the purpose
of gaining access to and from the area of operation, pro-
vided however, that the portion of the highway right of way
so to be used is adequately marked and identified as such
snowmobile access area.

(7) Streets or highways or portions thereof upon
which snowmobiles travel is permitted as provided in para-
graphs (3) and (6) of this clause c of subdivision two,
and in clause a of subdivision four of this section, shall
be so designated, in the case of state roads by the State
Superintendent of Transportation, and in the case of other
roads or streets by the appropriate county, town, city or
village boards, and shall be identified by road markers in
such manner as may be provided by rules and regulations of
the commissioner. All signs or road.markers shall be in
conformity with the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control
Devices, and shall be erected at the expense of the munic-
ipality having Jurisdiction of said highway, provided
however, that such municipality may accept funds or con-
tributions therefor from private persons, clubs or associ-
ations interested in the promotion of snowmobiling.

d. No person shall operate a snowmobile within the
street or highway right of way of any county, town, village
or city, or on any state highway when otherwise permitted
between sunset and sunrise except on the right side of such
right of way and in the same direction as the highway traffic
or the nearest lane of the roadway adJacent thereto.

9. When operated on a public highway, snowmobiles
shall travel in single file and shall not ride tandem or
abreast each other except in overtaking another snowmobile.

d. Special Events. The Commissioner may authorize the
holding of rallies, exhibitions, races and organized snow-
mobile events within the State of New York. He shall adopt
and.may, from.time to time, amend regulations concerning the
equipment necessary for safe operation of snowmobiles and

174

for the safety of operators, participants, and observers in
such special events. Whenever such special event is pro-
posed to be held in the State of New York, the person in
charge thereof shall, at least fifteen days prior thereof,
file an application with the Commissioner to hold such
special event. The application shall set forth the date

of and location where it is proposed to hold such rally,
race, exhibition, or organized event, and such other infor-
mation as the Commissioner may require, and it shall not be
conducted without written authorization of the Commissioner.
Copies of such regulations shall be furnished by the Depart-
ment to any person making an application therefor.

Any person sponsoring the event who shall violate any
regulation adopted pursuant to this subdivision three shall
for every such violation be subject to a fine of not to
exceed two hundred fifty dollars.

h. Regulations by Political Subdivisions. a. In
addition to the permissible use of public highways specified
in clause c above, a county legislature or a town, city or
village board, may be resolution, law or ordinance, permit
the operation of snowmobiles on the roadway, shoulder or
inside bank of any county, town, city or village highway
or street, in case the outside bank or slope is impassable.
Copies of such law, ordinance or regulation shall be filed
with the Department and said highway or street shall be
identified by road.markers in such manner as may be provided
by rules and regulation of the Commissioner.

b. Any county, city or village or town may regulate
the operation of snowmobiles on public lands, waters, and
property under its jurisdiction and on streets and highways
within its boundaries by law, resolution or ordinance of
the governing body, provided such regulations are not incon—
sistent with the provisions of this article and rules and
regulations promulgated thereunder. The law, ordinance or
regulation of such governmental unit may provide that in
the operation of a snowmobile upon such public lands,
waters, property and roads, proof of financial security of
the owner of the snowmobile may be required, but such law,
ordinance or regulation may not require the operator of the
snowmobile to possess a motor vehicle operator's license,
and.may not impose a fee for the use of public lands or
waters or the access thereto owned or under the jurisdic-
tion of the Conservation Department or any other agency or
municipal subdivision of the state. Copies of such law,
regulation or ordinance shall be filed with the Department.

5. Snowmobiles operated at special events. Snow-
mobiles operated at special events shall be exempt from.the
provisions of this article concerning registration, mufflers

175

and lights during the time of such operation, including all
pro-race practice at the location of said meet.

6. Snowmobile Not a Motor Vehicle. Notwithstanding
its limited use on the public highways, a snowmobile shall
not be deemed a motor vehicle within the meaning of Section
125 of the Vehicle and Traffic Law and Sections 10.00 and
165.05 of the Penal Law, or any other successor statutes.

8-0305. Equipment.

1. All snowmobiles operating within the State of New
York shall be equipped with:

a. Head-lights. At least one white or amber head-
lamp having a minimum candlepower of sufficient intensity
to reveal persons and vehicles at a distance of at least
one hundred feet ahead during hours of darkness under nor-
mal atmospheric conditions.

b. Tail-light. At least one red tail-lamp having a
minimum candlepower of sufficient intensity to exhibit a
red light plainly visable from a distance of five hundred
feet to the rear during hours of darkness under normal
atmospheric conditions.

c. Brakes. A brake system in good mechanical con-
dition.

d. Reflector material. Reflector material of a min-
imum.area of 16 square inches mounted on each side of the
cowling. Registration numbers or other decorative material,
may be included in computing the required sixteen square
inch area.

6. Mufflers. An adequate muffler system.in good work-
ing condition. From and after June 1, 1972, no snowmobile
manufactured after June 1, 1972, shall be sold or offered
for sale, unless it is equipped with a muffler that limits
engine noise to not more than eighty-two decibels as measured
on the "A" scale at fifty feet. From.and after June 1, 197h,
no such snowmobile manufactured after June 1, 197R shall be
sold or offered for sale unless such.muffler system.limits
engine noise to not more than seventy-three decibels.

2. Inspection and Testing. The Commissioner may
adopt rules and regulations with respect to the inspection
of snowmobiles and the testing of snowmobile mufflers.

3. No person shall have for sale, sell, or offer for
sale in this state any snowmobile which fails to comply
with the provisions of subdivision one, or which does not
comply with the specifications for such equipment required

_l76

by the rules and regulations of the Commissioner after the
effective date of such rules and regulations.

8-0307. Operation by Youthful Operators.

1. Age of operator. No person under the age of ten
years shall operate a snowmobile except upon lands owned
or leased by his parent or guardian, unless he is accompan-
ied by a person over eighteen years of age or a person over
fourteen years of age who hold a snowmobile safety certif-
icate. "Leased lands" as herein used shall not include
lands leased by an organization of which said operator or
his parent or guardian is a member.

2. Snowmobile safety certificate. On and after Octo-
ber l, 1971, except as provided in subdivision one herein,
no person ten years and over and who has not reached his
sixteenth birthday shall operate a snowmobile in the state,
except upon lands of his parent or guardian unless and
until he has received safety training as prescribed by the
Commissioner and has received the appropriate snowmobile
safety certificate issued by the Commissioner.

3. Exhibition of certificate. The failure of such a
youthful operator to exhibit a snowmobile safety certificate
upon demand to any magistrate, or any other officer having
authority to enforce the provisions of this article, shall
be presumptive evidence that such person is not the holder
of such certificate.

h. After October 1, 1971, no owner of a snowmobile
shall authorize or permit the operation thereof within the
state by any person under the age of sixteen years unless
the operator is the holder of a valid snowmobile safety
certificate or except as authorized by subdivision one
hereof.

8-0309. Accidents; Reports.

1. The operator of any snowmobile involved in any
accident resulting in injuries to or death of any person
or property damage to the estimated amount of one hundred
dollars or more is sustained, shall within seven days after
such accident report the matter in writing to the Depart-
ment, with a copy thereof to the sheriff of the county in
which said accident occurred. If such operator is phys-
ically incapable of making such report and there is another
participant in the accident not so incapacitated, such
participant shall make the report within the allotted time
after such accident. In the event that there is no other
participant and the operator is other than the owner, then
the owner shall within the prescribed period of time, after

I~177

learning of the facts of such accident, report the matter
to the Department, together with such information as may
have come to his knowledge relating to such accident.
Every such operator of a snowmobile, or surviving partici-
pant of any such accident, or the owner of the snowmobile
involved in any such accident, shall make such other and
additional reports as the Commissioner shall require.

2. Whenever any snowmobile meets with an accident
involving a loss of life, personal injury or damage to
property and the operator thereof has knowledge of such
accident, he shall stop and.give his name and.address, the
name and address of the owner thereof’and.the registration
number assigned to said snowmobile to the injured person
or the person sustaining the damage, or to a police officer,
or in case no police officer nor the person sustaining the
damage is present at the place where the damage occurred
the same to the nearest law enforcement agency.

3. A police, sheriff, judicial officer or state police
who investigates or receives infomation of an accident
involving a.snowmobile shall make a written report of the
investigation or information received, and such additional
facts relating to the accident as may come to his knowledge
and.meil the same within forty-eight hours to the Department
and.keep a record thereof in his office.

A. Failure of such persons to give notice of any
accident requiring notice shall be prima.facie evidence
that such accident was not reported.

8—0311. Liability for Negligence.

Negligence in the use or operation of a snowmobile is
attributable to the owner. Eyery owner of a snowmobile
used or operated in this state shall be liable and respon-
sible for death or injury to person or damage to property
resulting from.negligence in the use or operation of such
snowmobile by any person using or operating the same with
the permission, express or implied, of such owner, provided,
however, that such operator's negligence shall not be
attributed to the owner as to any claim.or cause of action
accruing to the operator or his legal representative for
such injuries or death.

TITLE u
m FORCEMEN T
Section 8-0h01. Enforcement.
8-0h03. Uniform Summons and Complaint

178
8—0h05. Affirmation of Complaint.
8-0h07. Collection of Penalties.
8-0h09. Violations.

8-0hll. Suspension and Revocation of Certificates
and Permits.

8-0k01. Enforcement.

Every law enforcement officer in the state, including Con-
servation Law Officers, forest rangers and state park police
and other designated officers and employees of the Conser-
vation Department shall enforce this article.

8-0h03. Uniform Summons and Complaint.

1. The Commissioner shall be authorized to prescribe
the form.of summons and/or complaint on all cases involving
a violation of any provision of this article or of any
ordinance, rule or regulation relating to snowmobiles, or
of any class or category of such cases, and to establish
procedures for proper administrative controls over the dis-
position thereof.

2. The chief executive officer of each local police
force including county, town, city and village police depart-
ments, sheriffs, and the Superintendent of State Police
shall prepare or cause to be prepared such records and
reports as may be prescribed hereunder.

3. The Commissioner shall have the power to adopt such
rules and regulations as may be deemed necessary to accomr
plish the purposes and enforce the provisions of this sec-
tion including requirements for reporting by trial courts
having Jurisdiction over snowmobile violations.

A. Any person who disposes of any uniform snowmobile
summons and/or complaint in any other>manner than that
prescribed by law, rule or regulation shall be guilty of a
misdeme anor .

8-0h05. Affirmation of Complaint.

When a snowmobile summons has been served by a peace
officer in cases of violation of any provision of this
article or of any ordinance, rule or regulation enacted
pursuant thereto or pursuant to any other law relating to
snowmobiles, any chief, deputy-chief, captain, lieutenant
or acting lieutenant, sergeant, or acting sergeant of a
police department, or any sheriff, undersheriff, chief dep-
uty, deputy sergeant or deputy in charge of snowmobiles

179

maintained.by any sheriff in any county to whom the service
of the snowmobile summons is reported, is hereby authorized
to administer to such peace officer all necessary oaths in
connection with the execution of the complaint to be pre-
sented in court by such peace officer in the prosecution of
such offense, but a complaint need not be verified provided
it shall be affirmed under penalty of perjury.

8-0h07. Collection of Penalties.

1. An action to recover any penalty imposed under the
provisions of this article may be brought in any court of
competent jurisdiction in this State on order of the Con-
servation Commissioner and.in the name of the people of the
State of New Yerk. In any such action all penalties incurred
up to the time of commencing the action may be sued for and
recovered therein and.the commencement of an action to
recover any such penalty shall not be, or be held to be, a
waiver of the right to recover any other penalty. In case
of recovery of any amount in an action brought to recover
any such penalty the people shall be entitled to recover
full costs, of course, and at the rates provided for civil
act one.

2. Judgments recovered.may be enforced by contempt.
A person taken into custody shall be confined for not less
than one day, and at the rate of one day for each dollar of
the amount of the Judgement recovered. No person shall be
imprisoned more than once, or for more than six months on
the same judgment. Imprisonment shall not operate to
satisfy a Judgement in a civil suit.

3. No person shall be excused from testifying or pro-
ducing any books, papers or other documents in any civil
action to recover any such penalty, upon the ground that
his testimony might tend to convict him of a crime, or to
subject him to a penalty or forfeiture. But no person shall
be prosecuted, punished or subjected to any penalty of for-
feiture for or on account of any such act, transaction,
matter or thing concerning which he shall, under oath, have
testified or produced documentary evidence and no testi-
mony so given or produced shall be received against him
upon any criminal investigation or proceeding; provided,
however, that no person so testifying shall be exempt from
prosecution or punishment for any perjury committed by him
in his testimony. Nothing herein contained is intended to
give, or shall be construed as in any manner giving, unto
any corporation, immunity of any kind.

A. A defendant charged with a violation of any pro-
vision of this article may himself plead guilty to the
charge in open court. He may also submit to the magistrate
having jurisdiction, in person, by duly authorized agent,

180

or by registered mail, a statement (a) that he waives
arraignment in open court and.the aid of counsel, (b) that.
he pleads guilty to the offense as charges, (0) that he
elects and requests that the charge be disposed of and the
fine or penalty fixed.by the court, (d) any explanation

that he desires to make concerning the offense charged, and
(e) that he makes all statements under penalty of perjury.
Thereupon the magistrate may proceed as though the defendant
had been convicted upon a plea of guilty in open court,
provided however, that any imposition of fine or penalty
hereunder shall be deemed tentative until such fine or pen-
alty shall have been paid and discharged in full. If upon
receipt of the aforesaid statement the magistrate shall

deny the same, he shall thereupon notify the defendant of
this fact, and that he is required to appear before the

said magistrate at a stated time and place to answer the
charge which shall thereafter be disposed of pursuant to the
applicable provisions of law.

5. The court or justice before whom.any person shall
be tried, or the clerk of the court, if there be a clerk,
shall at the termination of such trial or proceeding, forth-
with mail or deliver to the Department at Albany, a certified
statement of the disposition of the case or proceeding, giv-
ing the date thereof, the name of the defendant, the date
and place of the violation, the name of each witness sworn
in support of the charges and the amount of the fine or
penalty paid.

6. The provisions of this section shall in no way
prohibit the prosecution of violations of this article in
any court of competent jurisdiction in the same manner as
other offenses and crimes.

8-Oh09. Violations.

Any person who shall violate any provision of this
article or any rule or regulation of the Department pro-
mulgated pursuant to Section 8-0301 shall be guilty of a
violation and be punished by a fine of not less than five
dollars nor more than one hundred dollars.

8-0kll. Suspension and Revocation of Certificates
and Permits.

The Commissioner may suspend or revoke a dealer's reg-
istration certificate issued pursuant to subdivision seven
of Section 8-0201, a snowmobile safety certificate issued
pursuant to section 8-0307 and permits for special events
issued pursuant to subdivision three of Section 8-0303,
upon satisfactory proof of violation of any provisions of
this article or rules and regulations promulgated pursuant
thereto. Upon said suspension or revocation all rights and

181

privileges accruing to such registrant, youthful operator
or permittee shall terminate.

TITLE 5
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
Section 8-0501. Disposition of Fees and Penalties.
8-0503. State Aid to Municipalities.
8-0505. Application and Savings Clause.
8-0501. Disposition of Fees and Penalties.

1. On the first day of each month or within ten days
thereafter, all fines and penalties collected for viola-
tions of this article under judgement of any court of’Jus-
tice, shall be paid over by such court or Justice to the
Comptroller of the state, with a statement accompanying the
same, setting forth the action or proceeding in which such
moneys were collected, the name and residence of the
defendant, the nature of the offense, and the fines and
penalty imposed.

2. The Conservation Commissioner shall deposit all
moneys received by him.from.the registration of snowmobiles,
the sale of snowmobile registration information, snowmobile
publications and other services provided by the Department,
all fines and penalties resulting from violations of this
article in regard to the operation and use of snowmobiles
and all fees collected by him.under this article to the
credit of the General Fund.

8-0503. State Aid to Municipalities.

1. Every county, city, town or village enforcing the
provisions of this article shall be entitled to receive
state aid as hereinafter provided. A county, city, town or
village seeking reimbursement for expenditures incurred in
enforcement of this article shall submdt to the Commissioner
by October first of each year an estimate of such expen-
ditures for the current calendar year, in such form and
containing such.information as the Commissioner may
require. Within one month after the close of the calendar
year, each such county, city, town or village shall submit
to the Commissioner a statement of authorized expenditures
actually incurred, in such form and containing such infor-
nation as he may require.

2. The amount of state aid to be allocated to coun-
ties, cities, towns or villages shall be determined by the
Commissioner as hereinafter provided. The Commissioner

.182

shall determine the percentage proportion which the author-
ized expenditures of each individual county, city, town

or village, but not exceeding twenty-five thousand dollars
for each county including the municipalities therein, shall
bear to the total authorized expenditures of all the coun:
ties, cities, towns or village for enforcement of this
article during the calendar year. Such percentage propor-
tion shall then be applied against an amount equal to
twenty-five per cent of the amount received by the Come
missioner in fees received for registration of snowmobiles
during such calendar year, to the extent only and not exceed-
ing the sum of one hundred fifty thousand dollars.

The amount thus determined shall constitute the max-
ium amount of state aid to which each county, city, town or
village shall be entitled; provided, however, that no county,
city, town or village shall receive state aid in an amount
in excess of one-half of its authorized expenditures as
approved by the Commissioner for such calendar year.

The Commissioner shall certify to the Comptroller the
amount thus determined for each county, city, town or
village as the amount of state aid to be apportioned to
such county, city, town or village.

8-0505. Application and Savings Clause.

Any work or proceeding initiated under any existing
law which is repealed through the enactment of this article
shall be continued legally to its termination and conclusion
subject to the provisions of and in accordance with the
procedure prescribed by such law.

All licenses hitherto issued by the Department of
Motor Vehicles which have not expired shall continue to be
effective until the expiration thereof and all rights accru-
ing thereunder shall continue.

Itiis the intent that upon the enactment of this article
into law all proceedings undertaken thereafter relative to
the operation and use of snowmobiles in the State, as defined
in the article, shall be administered under the authority of
and by the provisions contained in this article. If any
clause, sentence, paragraph or part of this article shall,
for any reason be adjudged by any court of competent Juris-
diction to be invalid, such judgement shall not affect,
impair or invalidate the remainder thereof but shall be
confined in its operation to the clause, sentence, para-
graph or part thereof, directly involved in the controversy
in which such judgment shall have been rendered.

6. This act shall take effect immediately.