OPP urge folks to exercise caution

OPP News Release

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Early season riding ultimately contributes to snowmobiling deaths and the OPP are warning snowmobilers about unsafe ice conditions and limited OFSC trail travel, wet marshland and bogs.

“Riding responsibly is a personal choice that must be made every time someone starts up a sled. Snowmobile operators are urged to use common sense, exercise caution and slow down,” states Sgt. Kevin Sydock, OPP S.A.V.E. team. “If you don’t know, don’t go.”

Sledders often lose control of their machines because of excessive speed and collide with boulders, trees and vehicles. Others go through thin ice or drive into open water. Some fail to yield to roadway traffic. The sudden impact of a high-speed collisions or open water incident leave riders little in the way of a second chance. Speed and alcohol prove to be a deadly mix.

There will be plenty of excellent riding as snow and ice conditions improve and this season the OPP will continue to make trail safety a priority. From Wawa to Kapuskasing through to North Bay, Mattawa and Burks Falls – from Parry Sound, Sudbury and Manitoulin - along the North Shore to the Sault – the OPP will be working hard to curb the rising snowmobile collision death toll.

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