The OPP and Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs are strongly urging snowmobilers to stop taking unnecessary risks while riding.
"Over the past week, the OPP have received multiple complaints and incidents involving snowmobiles.," says Constable Sandro Cave. "Snowmobile-related occurrences involving serious injury or death on unsafe ice, speeding, loss of control, operator impairment, and driver inattention continue to cause otherwise preventable snowmobile deaths."
Snowmobile Checklist:
- Check the weather before heading out.
- Every operator and passenger requires a helmet that meets the safety standards.
- Obey speed limits and road/trail signs.
- Snowmobiles may not be operated at a greater rate of speed than:
- 50 km/h - on snowmobile trails
- 50 km/h - on roads where the speed limit is over 50 km/h
- 20 km/h - on roads where the speed limit is 50 km/h or less
- 20 km/h - in any public park or exhibition grounds
- Avoid driving on frozen water. If you must, please check the ice conditions prior.
- Many fatalities involve snowmobiles breaking through the ice or driving into open water.
- Any time you travel on ice, you put yourself and your passengers at risk.
- Wear a buoyant snowmobile suit, carry ice picks and make sure they are available to you.
- Exposure to extreme cold can lead to frostbite and hypothermia.
- Always tell someone where you are going, your exact route and your expected time of return.
- You should never travel alone and always be prepared for the unexpected.
- Use caution at railway and road crossings.
- Always remain on the right-hand side of the trail.
- At night, drive at a reduced speed and avoid travelling faster than the beam your headlight can shine ahead.
- A rigid tow-bar must be used when towing a sled or similar device behind a snowmobile.
- Drive within your ability.
Family members can positively influence those who take unnecessary risks on a snowmobile.
"If you suspect that a loved one's snowmobiling behaviour is placing them at risk, speak up and remind them how important it is to you and your family that they make it home safely after every ride," adds Cave.
Snowmobile Safety in Ontario.
Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs
