The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and its Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) partners are cautioning snowmobilers about the increased risks posed by a milder winter and reminding them of the common sense approach needed to avoid a tragic outcome to their riding season.
The late onset of cold temperatures and lack of snow in many parts of Ontario have set a particularly dangerous stage for snowmobilers, especially those who are considering riding on frozen waterways. Close to 40 per cent of OPP-investigated snowmobile fatalities have occurred on frozen lakes and rivers over the past 10 years. Snowmobilers are therefore urged to avoid all frozen waterways at all times.
The majority of OFSC trails are currently unavailable and snowmobilers need to stay off all OFSC trails except those that are open. Check for trail status updates on the OFSC Interactive Trail Guide when planning your ride.
With speeding, driving too fast for the conditions and alcohol/drug-impairment the leading causes in snowmobile fatalities, snowmobilers are reminded that the conscious choice to include these (and other) risks in their ride – more so than the risks themselves – make snowmobilers their own worst enemy when tragedy strikes.
With Snowmobile Safety Week kicking off across the province this weekend, make every ride a safe one so that you can enjoy the world-class snowmobiling Ontario has to offer and, more importantly, so that you can get home safely to your family.
Please join members of the OPP, OFSC and special guests for a live social media event on Tuesday, January 17, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. The event aims to make it a safe and enjoyable season for all Ontario snowmobile communities!
Snowmobile Safety Week runs from January 14-22, 2023.