OPP urges snowmobile safety
The OPP has released a reminder for snowmobilers to drive safe and sober this season. OPP officers, alongside the OPP’s Snow Vehicle, All Terrain Vehicle and Vessel Enforcement Unit (SAVE), will be monitoring trails and roadways and have also released some safety tips to ensure all snowmobilers arrive home safe this winter.
The OPP is urging snowmobilers to never drive impaired. Illegal drugs and alcohol can heavily affect the ability to operate any form of machinery and can slow the driver’s reaction time. If convicted of driving a snowmobile under the influence, driving privileges will be taken away.
It is also important for snowmobilers to dress properly for the season. Both driver and passenger are required to wear a secure helmet with a strap under the chin as well as reflective clothing to become more visible. The OPP also suggests that drivers wear floater suits and carry an ice pick with them at all times.
One of the most important things to remember is to come prepared. The OPP suggests that snowmobilers carry a backpack with them when they are out snowmobiling. Some important tools that could be stored in the backpack are spare parts, rope, matches and water.
The OPP also suggests that snowmobilers carry a cellphone at all times in case of an emergency as well as a cellphone battery pack charger.
Snowmobilers must also remember to reduce their speed when driving at night and to slow down and pull over to the right if they see other drivers approaching, police advise. It is also important to remember to check ice conditions before moving across a frozen lake because “no ice is safe ice.”