Pittsfield pushes for safety on sleds Reckless snowmobilers spur town efforts to promote courtesy, caution

PITTSFIELD – Town Manager Kathryn Ruth, who is an avid walker, knows of the dangers of errant snowmobiles firsthand. She was nearly run over by a speeding snowmobile a few weeks ago while walking on Pittsfield’s Main Street.

That incident, along with residents’ complaints to police and town officials, prompted an aggressive campaign to educate local snowmobilers about safety and courtesy.

Even though the season is winding down, the record number of deaths in Maine this year – 16 – has prompted town officials to take complaints quite seriously.

Ruth has established a special display in the town office with materials provided by the local snowmobile club, the Driftbusters.

The club has been helpful since complaints of irresponsible driving were brought before the Town Council, said Ruth.

Complaints have surfaced about speeding snowmobiles, drivers unsafely crossing Main Street and snowmobiles riding on the railroad tracks.

Pittsfield Police Chief Steve Emery said he contacted both the Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Division and Guilford Rail about the problems.

“The railroad police found that some people were riding on the tracks between Route 69 and Detroit,” he said. Several violators were summoned and the problem seems to have abated, said Emery.

In addition, the local snowmobile club placed signs at the downtown crossing and adjacent to the railroad tracks to direct riders. Emery said the machines are allowed alongside the tracks but not directly on them.

IF&W has been patrolling Pittsfield “pretty near every weekend,” said Emery, and violations seem to have leveled off.