While snowmobile enthusiasts are thrilled with all the snow, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) are reminding snowmobilers to ride safely. Snowmobile Safety Week starts today and runs until Sunday, January 24th.
The OPP and OFSC are also asking snowmobilers to stay off the lakes and waterways for the time-being, as conditions are generally poor in many parts of the province.
According to research from the Lifesaving Society of Ontario, most drowning victims in the winter are male snowmobilers and most incidents involve open water, ice holes, or thin ice.
The Lifesaving Society has the following ice-safety advice for snowmobilers:
- keep away from unfamiliar paths or unknown ice
- avoid travelling on ice at night
- if you must venture onto the ice, wear a thermal protection buoyant suit to increase your chances of survival if you fall through (if you don’t have one, wear a lifejacket or PFD over an ordinary snowmobile suit or layered winter clothing)
- avoid slushy ice, thawed ice that has recently refrozen, layered or rotten ice caused by sudden temperature changes, and ice near moving water like rivers
- never go on the ice alone (a buddy may be able to rescue you or go for help if you get into difficulty)
- before you leave shore, inform someone of your destination and expected time of return
- assemble a small personal safety kit to carry with you — including a lighter, waterproof matches, magnesium fire starter, pocketknife, compass and whistle — and also carry ice picks, an ice staff, a rope and a cellphone.
The OPP and OFSC are also asking middle-aged males to ride with extra care and control this winter, by staying on OFSC-prescribed trails, not riding while impaired, and not speeding or riding after dark.
Last winter, the OPP investigated 15 snowmobile-related fatalities, most of which involved riding while impaired, speeding or riding too fast for conditions, or riding after dark.
Most victims were male riders and over half were riders or passengers between the ages of 35 and 54.
The OPP and OFSC also caution all snowmobilers to avoid “road running” wherever possible. While snowmobiling on the side of a public road is legal and necessary to access trails, you should always:
- adjust your speed to the conditions
- watch out for parked vehicles and motor vehicles emerging from driveways
- always give motor vehicles the right of way
- be extra cautious when approaching intersections
- observe and respect all traffic signs
- slow down wherever snow banks obstruct your view.
The OPP also reminds motorist to watch for snowmobiles along roads, especially where they cross snowmobile trails.
For more information about safe and responsible snowmobiling, visit the Ontario Ministry of Transportation website.
