Snowmobile patrol nets eight charges

OPP News Release

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French River – OPP conducted joint snowmobile patrol with the Ministry of Natural Resources in the French River area on the 12th of January. Officers were kept busy. A total of eight charges were laid under the Liquor License Act, Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, and the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act.

Here are A Few Basic Safety Tips To Help Snowmobilers Stay Safe:

Ice and snowmobiling

- Ice conditions are unpredictable and can change quickly, so avoid traveling on unmarked frozen lakes and rivers.

- If you must ride on ice, always check ice conditions before going out and stay on trails that have been marked by your local snowmobile club.

- Wear a buoyant snowmobile suit and carry ice picks to improve your chances of survival if you break through ice or drive into open water.

Don't drink and ride

- Alcohol affects judgment and response times, increases fatigue and the risk of hypothermia.

- Riding while impaired is a criminal offence that can affect your driving record and insurance rates.

- Drinking and riding can cost you your life.

Speeding

- Always respect the speed limits posted on trails and roadways. The speed limit on a trail is generally 50 km/h unless otherwise indicated.

Night riding

- Lower your speed. Reduced nighttime visibility makes hazards such as rocks, trees, fences and gates more difficult to spot.

- Every snowmobile must have working head and taillights.
- Wear reflective clothing.
- Avoid riding alone.
- If you must stop on a road or trail, pull off to the side and keep your snowmobile running so your lights will be visible to oncoming traffic.

Protect yourself from the elements

- Always wear an approved helmet.

- Wear layers of warm, waterproof and windproof clothing.

- Install a visor on your helmet, wear UV protected sunglasses, or goggles to reduce glare and guard against snow blindness.

For more safe riding tips and information, please visit the Ministry of Transportation's Safe Snowmobiling webpage at www.mto.gov.on.ca

The province and the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) work together to encourage snowmobilers to ride with a Snowmobile Trail Permit on OFSC-prescribed trails, which are maintained and marked for improved safety.

Ontario has the largest snowmobile trail system in the world with more than 41,000 kilometers of trails.

For trail conditions visit: www.ofsc.on.ca and follow the links.

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