Tuesday, March 15, 2005

OPP Urge Operators to EXERCISE CAUTION

(Northeastern, ON) Operator action ultimately contributed to the seven snowmobiling deaths in the North East Region this year. Operators lost control of their machines because of excessive speed and collided with boulders, trees and other vehicles. Others went through thin ice and fell into open water. Some failed to yield to roadway traffic. The sudden impact of the high-speed collisions and the open water incidents left riders little in the way of a second chance. Speed and alcohol proved to be a deadly mix for some.

There is still plenty of riding time left this season 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 rising snowmobile collision death toll.

“Riding responsibly is a personal choice that must be made every time someone starts up their sled. Snowmobile operators are urged to use common sense, exercise caution and slow down.”

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 - oncoming sleds - other trail users - wildlife. Reduce speed and watch for trail wash outs and flooding - snow banks and moguls - road and railway crossings - unexpected corners - intersections and stops – bridges - open water and unsafe ice.