With Ontario Snowmobile Safety Week running until February 17, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) are urging riders to avoid risky behaviours that lead to fatal crashes.
Over the past decade, 145 snowmobilers have died in OPP jurisdictions. Excessive speed, alcohol impairment, driver inattention, and lack of helmets remain leading causes. Nearly 40 per cent of deaths occurred on frozen waterways, where ice conditions can be unpredictable.
Riders are advised to stay off lakes and rivers and stick to designated OFSC trails. The OFSC Interactive Trail Guide provides real-time trail status updates to ensure safer rides.
Snowmobilers must also respect trail closures, as riding on unavailable trails is illegal. For more safety tips, visit ofsc.on.ca.
