Snowmobile Safety Week Underway
Alcohol, speed often a factor in crashes
Snowmobile Safety Week kicks off today and runs through next weekend. OPP and the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs hoping sledders will be able to keep deaths and injuries to a minimum this year. OPP investigated 15 snowmobile-related deaths last year – alcohol and speed were involved in more than half of them. “Riding within the law and making smart choices is the only way to ensure an enjoyable ride that gets you home safely to your family at the end of the day.” say the OPP in a news release. Riding impaired, speeding and riding after dark continue to be major contributing factors in snowmobiling incidents:
- 58 per cent of snowmobile-related fatalities involved alcohol or drugs
- 57 per cent involved speeding or riding too fast for conditions
- 58 per cent occurred at dusk or after dark
The campaign is also a great opportunity to caution all snowmobilers about avoiding road running wherever possible. Where snowmobiling on the side of a public road is legal and necessary to access trails, you should always:
- Adjust your speed to the conditions
- Watch out for parked vehicles and motor vehicles emerging from driveways
- Always give motor vehicles the right of way
- Be extra cautious when approaching intersections
- Observe and respect all traffic signs
- Slow down wherever snow banks obstruct your view
The motoring public is also being reminded to watch for snowmobiles along roads or those that cross roads at snowmobile trails.
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