AUGUSTA (AP) – The Maine Warden Service and the Maine Snowmobile Association are calling on snowmobilers to exhibit safe riding practices this winter.

The New Year’s weekend marks the unofficial start of the snowmobile season, during which tens of thousands of snowmobilers will ride millions of miles across Maine’s 13,000 miles of trails.

At a news conference Thursday, Col. Tom Santaguida of the Maine Warden Service said that wardens will increase patrols at peak times in an effort to emphasize the need for safety on the trails.

Enforcement details will focus specifically on riders who are operating in a dangerous manner, at an imprudent speed or under the influence.

Safety checkpoints will also be set up in conjunction with local snowmobile clubs. Game wardens and volunteers will inspect snowmobiles’ lights, brakes, skis, belts and spare equipment.

There were 202 snowmobile accidents and seven fatalities in the state last year. That was half of the 401 accidents and the record 16 fatalities recorded in 2003.

Last year, 88,237 snowmobiles were registered in Maine, including 19,020 by nonresidents.