Friday, January 9, 2009

Early Season Snowmobile Deaths - OPP Urge Operators to Exercise Caution

(Northeastern, ON) Recent snowmobiling deaths are tragic reason for police to urge operators to reduce speed when aboard a sled. The sudden impact of the high-speed collisions and the possibility of open water incidents leave riders little in the way of a second chance. Speed and alcohol most often prove to be a deadly mix.

Last year in the North east Region, eight people were killed in motorised snow vehicle incidents. There is still a full season of riding left and the OPP will continue to make trail safety a priority. From Wawa to Kapuskasing through to North Bay, Mattawa and Burks Falls – from Parry Sound, Sudbury and Manitoulin - along the North Shore to the Sault – the OPP will be working hard to curb the snowmobile collision death toll.

“Riding responsibly is a personal choice that must be made every time someone starts up their machine.” states Inspector Garry MacPherson, Unit Commander – Highway Safety Division – North East Region. “Snowmobile operators must use common sense, exercise caution and slow down. It could be a life or death decision. ”

Sled safety is in the hands of the operator. Slow down and see obstacles hidden by the snow - trees and branches on the trail - slow grooming equipment – wildlife and most important, oncoming sleds and other trail users.

Please, think safety on the trails this weekend!

STOLEN SNOWMOBILE RECOVERED

(Pennyfeather Twp., ON.) – Officer’s from the OPP Highway Safety Division out on snowmobile patrol yesterday afternoon located a snowmobile reported stolen from Lake St. in Sault Ste. Marie on January 5th.

The 1998 Mach One was found on an OFSC trail in Goulais River. There was no one around the snowmobile.

Anyone with any information on this or other crimes can contact Crime Stoppers at
1-800-222-8477 or by e-tips at www.saultcrimestoppers.com.