Peterborough County, Ontario – The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) in Ontario are increasing patrols on snowmobile trails due to a recent surge in snowmobile accidents. Over the past decade, 158 snowmobilers have tragically lost their lives in the province, with a significant number of those fatalities occurring on frozen lakes and rivers. Furthermore, impaired driving has been attributed to 41 percent of these deaths.
Deputy Commissioner Rohan Thompson of the OPP emphasized the importance of responsible snowmobiling, particularly when it comes to navigating frozen waterways. He stressed the need for making informed decisions before and during snowmobile rides, including always riding sober and drug-free to ensure a safe return home to loved ones.
To promote snowmobile safety, the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) recommends that snowmobilers undergo training at the beginning of each season, wear protective gear like helmets, maintain control of their machines, and stick to official trails. It is worth noting that a significant portion of incidents (90 percent) occur off designated trails.
Authorities in Southern Georgian Bay recently charged multiple snowmobilers with various offenses over the Family Day weekend, including modified exhaust systems and lack of required trail passes. In response to numerous incidents, local law enforcement officers are ramping up their presence on trails, conducting day and night monitoring, and establishing R.I.D.E. programs at trailheads to enhance safety measures.
Tragic incidents over a one-week period in mid-February included a snowmobiler falling through the ice on Go Home River, another colliding with a pressure crack in Havelock-Belmont-Methuen, and a head-on collision between two snowmobiles on Lost Channel resulting in one fatality. Additionally, a snowmobiler in McNab/Braeside lost their life following a collision on a trail, while another individual was ejected from their snowmobile after striking a tree in North Frontenac Township.
The OPP also responded to multiple calls of snowmobiles falling through frozen waterways, underscoring the importance of caution and vigilance when enjoying winter activities. These incidents serve as grim reminders of the potential dangers associated with snowmobiling, particularly in regions where frozen waterways pose significant risks to riders. Safety education and adherence to recommended guidelines remain crucial in preventing further tragedies on Ontario’s snowmobile trails.