Snowmobile fatality rate rising this winter
The OPP and the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) expressed shock and dismay at the number of snowmobile fatalities in the province this year.
The death toll from accidents involving snowmobiles in Ontario, during the past six weeks, now stands at 13, more than twice the number of fatalities for the same period last year. The total number of snowmobile fatalities for the 2016-2017 winter season is now 20, compared to 11 fatal incidents during the previous season. The age range of the deceased is from 11 to between 50 and 60 years old.
Both the OPP and OFSC cite the same reason behind most of the fatal accidents. Riders and, in some cases, their passengers, fail to observe basic snowmobile safety practices.
In a dozen cases, the snowmobile collided with a tree, a rock, a deep snowbank, another snowmobile, or a vehicle along a road. Excessive speed for trail conditions, with loss of control, was the factor in nine fatalities.
Four fatal incidents involved snowmobiles on frozen rivers or lakes. In three cases the machine hit open water, while in the fourth case the snowmobile fell through weak ice.
Lack of attention of the driver is listed as the main cause in four fatals. In one case, the snowmobiler died from exposure after her machine became stuck and she developed hypothermia before rescue was possible.
“This is a harsh reminder of what can happen,” stated the OPP/OFSC news release, “when you do not pack an emergency kit for each ride.”
Both the OPP and OFSC urge snowmobilers to stay off streams and lakes, now, with the recent thaw in the weather as spring approaches. Riders should also check trail status and conditions before heading out, make sure they have winter survival gear stowed on the machine, be aware of the trail as they ride and also of any traffic if they are following a trail along a backcountry road, near a highway or using a road crossing between trailheads. Also riders should make sure someone knows where they are going and when they expect to return home.