Snowmobilers urged to ride with extreme caution

OPP News Release

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A recent blast of winter has increased snowmobile activity as riders try to capture a few end-of-season excursions.

Collisions with stationary obstacles such as ice shacks, rock outcrops and pressure cracks have seen riders ejected and seriously injured or killed.

Since January 2011, five people in the North East Region have been killed in snowmobile related incidents – four of those as a result of losing control of their sled. A total of seven people died in snowmachine related crashes during the 2010 season with speed and alcohol often a factor.

As the weather warms, snowmobile trail conditions deteriorate and waterway ice weakens. The OPP urge snowmobilers to ride with extreme caution and watch for hazards that were once covered by snow, begin to reappear. Riding at night increases risks of open water incidents and trail collisions as machine headlights are often overdriven.

“In the waning days of winter, snowmobile trail safety remains a priority with our members,” states Chief Superintendent Joffre (Jeff) Dupuis, North East Region Commander. “In an effort to save lives, OPP SAVE team and detachment snowmobile patrols continue to ride the trails watching for those who drive without due consideration for other trail users.”

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