Just ahead of Ontario Snowmobile Safety Week, the Ontario Provincial Police and the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) are reminding snowmobilers that making each ride risk-free gives them their best chance of safely making it through the season.
A joint press release said the risky driving behaviours that lead to snowmobile fatalities are the same year after year, as reflected in the OPP’s data.
“Over the past 10 snowmobile seasons, 145 snowmobilers have lost their lives in OPP jurisdictions. Excessive speed, in particular driving too fast for the conditions, as well as alcohol impairment were among the leading causes or contributing factors in the fatalities. Driver inattention and lack of helmet use are among other factors that have cost snowmobilers their lives in the last decade,” it added.
Nearly 40 per cent of the fatalities occurred on frozen lakes and rivers, these locations account for the highest number of snowmobile deaths.
“Riders are reminded that frozen lakes and rivers carry an inherent degree of uncertainty about how safe they are and the only way to ensure one’s safety is to avoid frozen waterways altogether,” said the release.
With Ontario Snowmobile Safety Week running from Feb. 10 to 17, riders are encouraged to get up to date on what they need to do to keep themselves, their passengers and fellow riders safe throughout the season.
For more information about the OFSC and snowmobile safety, visit: https://www.ofsc.on.ca/safety/.
