Snowmobile collisions on the rise

OPP News Release

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ORILLIA - The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is becoming concerned over the increased number of snowmobile collisions creeping up in the Province of Ontario.

With the most recent fatality in Napanee on January 17, 2009 the number of deaths investigated by the OPP to date this snowmobile season has risen to eight. In comparison to the same time last year when there were seven fatalities involving snowmobiles.

The most common denominators of these fatalities continue to be the failure to heed the most basic of safety tips and include the use of alcohol and excessive speed. Also, all of the fatalities have occurred off the OFSC trails.

Most of the trails in the Province are now open. These OFSC trails still remain the safest place to snowmobile. As the weekend begins, the OPP is reminding those who will be using their snowmobiles to follow these basic safety tips: maintain a reduced speed when operating your Snowmobile on or off trails. Drive according to conditions. Alcohol and snowmobiling doesn't mix and always wear your Helmet.

SAVE teams, STOP officers as well as Detachment personnel will be patrolling the trails, roads, and lakes ensuring that people are enjoying the sport safely and responsibly.

Check the OFSC website for more safe-sledding hints and for trail conditions in your area.

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