February 10th – 17th is Ontario’s Motorized Snowmobile Safety Week. The OPP is reminding everyone to ride safely and remember the “Big Four” factors contributing to snowmobile-related injuries and fatalities, including aggressive driving, distracted driving, and the improper use of safety equipment on our highways, trails, and waterways.
Over the past 10 snowmobile seasons (2014/15 to 2023/24),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.
Every year, snowmobilers take unnecessary risks on frozen waterways. With close to 40 per cent of the 145 fatalities occurring 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.
Thanks to the hard work and commitment on the part of OFSC Snowmobile Clubs, Ontario snowmobilers have access to an expansive network of trails. Through the OFSC Interactive Trail Guide (ITG), riders can obtain real-time trail status information to help them choose a safe, enjoyable trail for their next riding adventure. Snowmobilers are reminded that it’s against the law to access and ride on OFSC trails that are unavailable (all those highlighted in red on the ITG).
In a news release, Grey Bruce OPP said they are also responding to growing concerns from property owners within their detachment area. There have been increasing reports of snowmobiles using improper mufflers, creating excessive noise, and damaging fields beneath the snow due to riders straying off marked trails. They encourage snowmobilers to be mindful of others and follow all safety guidelines to minimize risks on the trails and roads.
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.
- Drive Sober: Never operate a snowmobile under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Stay on Designated Trails: Stick to Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) trails, which are the safest routes. Riders can access real-time trail status updates via the OFSC Interactive Trail Guide (ITG) to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
- Be Cautious on Frozen Waterways: Always treat frozen bodies of water as unsafe.
- Wear Protective Gear: Use an approved helmet and appropriate clothing to stay safe and warm.
- Carry a Safety Kit: Equip yourself with essential items such as waterproof matches, a pocketknife, a compass, a whistle, ice picks, and a first aid kit.
- Observe Speed Limits: Abide by posted speed limits and local municipal by-laws.
- Plan Your Route: Inform someone of your planned route and keep your cell phone fully charged in case of emergency.
- Ensure Proper Documentation: Carry all required permits and documentation to operate your snowmobile legally.
For more information about the OFSC and snowmobile safety, visit: https://www.ofsc.on.ca/safety/.
We’d like to reshare a story 705BLACKFLY.COM did in 2023 that really emphasizes the need for caution. Two residents came to the aid of a rider who had gone through the ice on Hassard Lake in Kearney. In an uncanny coincidence, one rescuer had a brother who had been killed after falling through ice while riding a snowmobile. Please, please be safe out there.
