2021-Jan-22
Snowmobile Safety Week Kicked-off with Fatalities
Two recent fatal snowmobile incidents have OPP warning people that no ice is safe ice and snowmobilers should stay off frozen waterways and closed trails. According to the OPP, six people have lost their lives in snowmobile accidents so far this season. Most recently, on January 17, three people died in separate incidents after their snowmobiles broke through the ice on Georgian Bay.
OPP statistics show that over the past ten years more than 40% of snowmobile fatalities have occurred on lakes and rivers. Excessive speed, driving too fast for the conditions and alcohol or drug impairment are also significant factors in OPP-investigated snowmobile incidents. The Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) said a mild winter makes it particularly important for snowmobilers to regularly check the OFSC Interactive Trail Guide for information on what trails are open and closed as it is unlawful and unsafe to ride on closed OFSC trails.
GBA urges all snowmobilers to review the statistics and guidelines to learn valuable lessons from these tragedies, which can so easily be avoided. The OFSC website and the Ministry of Transportation website both have great information to ensure people enjoy a safe riding season.
Snowmobile Safety Week runs from January 16 to January 24, 2021. Read more here.