Ahead of Ontario Snowmobile Safety Week, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) are reminding snowmobilers that making each ride risk-free gives them their best chance of safely making it through the season.
The risky driving behaviours that lead to snowmobile fatalities are the same ones year after year, as reflected in the OPP’s data.
Over the past 10 snowmobile seasons (2014/15 to 2023/24),145 snowmobilers have lost their lives in OPP jurisdictions. Excessive speed, in particular driving too fast for the conditions, as well as alcohol impairment were among the leading causes or contributing factors in the fatalities. Driver inattention and lack of helmet use are among other factors that have cost snowmobilers their lives in the last decade.
Every year, snowmobilers take unnecessary risks on frozen waterways. With close to 40 per cent of the 145 fatalities occurring on frozen lakes and rivers, these locations account for the highest number of snowmobile deaths.
Riders are reminded that frozen lakes and rivers carry an inherent degree of uncertainty about how safe they are and the only way to ensure one’s safety is to avoid frozen waterways altogether.
Thanks to the hard work and commitment on the part of OFSC Snowmobile Clubs, Ontario snowmobilers have access to an expansive network of trails. Through the OFSC Interactive Trail Guide (ITG), riders can obtain real-time trail status information to help them choose a safe, enjoyable trail for their next riding adventure.
Snowmobilers are reminded that it’s against the law to access and ride on OFSC trails that are unavailable (all those highlighted in red on the ITG).
With Ontario Snowmobile Safety Week running from February 10 to 17, 2025, riders are encouraged to get up to date on what they need to do to keep themselves, their passengers and fellow riders safe throughout the season.
For more information about the OFSC and snowmobile safety, visit: https://www.ofsc.on.ca/safety/.
DID YOU KNOW?
• In addition to road and marine patrol, the OPP conducts patrols by snowmobile and off-road vehicle throughout the province.
• OPP Snowmobile, ATV and Vessel Enforcement (S.A.V.E.) Teams are mobile, fourseason teams that target high-risk operator behaviours on trails and waterways, as part of their efforts to reduce the risk of collisions, fatalities and injuries.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
