Ramsey Resident - 2004 - February

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4 SNOWPLOW TRUCKS: A WORD To THE WISE Winter requires Minnesota motorists to switch to a new driving mode, including using extra caution when snowplows are operating. Motorists are advised to: . Reduce your speed. Plows travel slower than other vehicles. For example, if a snowplow is moving at 15 mph and a car behind the plow is traveling at 45 mph, the car will close the distance to the plow at a rate of 44 feet per second. Avoid driving into a snowcloud. Large vehicles, such as snowplows and semi-trailer trucks, may produce dense clouds of blowing snow, called "whiteouts," and hinder the vision of motorists. Keep a safe distance away from a snowcloud and do not attempt to pass it until the blowing conditions have changed. Be certain which lane a snowplow and its blade are in before trying to pass. Snowplow trucks may have a plow blade on either the right or left side of the vehicle. Motorists should use extreme caution when passing a snowplow. Plow drivers have limited visibility and they cannot see directly behind their trucl(s. Plus, plows can suddenly move sideways from hitting drifts or by cutting through packed snow. Motorists are advised not to travel next to a plow. Stay back far enough from plows to avoid having your vehicle hit by sanding material or any built-up ice or snow that could falloff these trucl(s. Remember: snowplows are on the roadway to make your winter driving conditions safer, not to aggrevate motorists. Wear your seatbelt and always allow extra time to reach your destination. And, be patient! . * *1~ . SNOWMOBILE SEASON: ~ 1li& ~~~W WHAT You NEED To KNOW .. The following information should help you understand the current city ordinances and state laws that regulate the operation of snowmobiles and other recreational vehicles in the City of Ramsey. WHEN CAN WE SNOWMOBILE? . Between the hours of 8:00 AM to 11 :00 PM Sunday through Thursday. . Between the hours of 8:00 AM Friday to 1 :00 AM Saturday. . Between the hours of 8:00 AM Saturday to 1 :00 AM Sunday. . From one half-hour after sunset to one half-hour before sunrise, you MUST operate your snowmobile in the same direction as traffic flow. WHERE CAN WE SNOWMOBILE? . You can operate a snowmobile on your own property. . On the property of another person if you have IN YOUR POSSESSION written permission of the owner of that land. . On the land of a person who has clearly visible signs allowing snowmobiles. . You can operate on public trails that are designated by the City Council. Ramsey has NONE of these trails in the City limits. . Right-hand portion of roadway in MUSA area (see map on page 6). . On lakes that are subject to the City's jurisdiction. The only lake of this type in Ramsey is Emerald Pond. . On the right-of-ways of State Trunk Highways and County State Aid roads. . On the right-of-ways of City streets in NON-MUSAAREAS (see map on page 6). WHERE IS IT ILLEGAL TO SNOWMOBILE? . On someone's land without his or her permission. . City Parks. You may operate on the water of Emerald Pond but NOT in the park area. . Railroad right-of-ways. . Golf Courses. . School grounds. . Tree Nurseries or planted areas. . In the median or area between opposing lanes of traffic. . On the right-of ways of City streets INSIDE the MUSA area (see map on page 6). WHO CAN OPERATE A SNOWMOBILE? . People who are 18 or older. Effective 1 % 1/1998, persons who were born after December 31, 1976, must possess a snowmobile safety certificate. This is true even if the person is over 18. . A person who is at least 14 but younger than 18 may operate a snowmobile if they have a valid safety certificate IN THEIR POSSESSION. . A person younger than 14 may NOT operate a snowmobile on any street in the City of Ramsey. Continued on Page 6 Life is what happens to you while you are busy making other plans.