OPP remind snowmobilers of ‘risk-free riding’

An Ontario Provincial Police vehicle and several police snowmobiles are pictured in this undated winter photo. (File Photo/Ontario Provincial Police/X)

Essex County OPP officers are reminding snowmobilers that making each ride “risk-free” gives them their best chance of safely making it through the season.

Over the past 10 snowmobile seasons (2014/15 to 2023/24), police say 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.

Police say driver inattention and lack of helmet use are among other factors that have cost snowmobilers their lives in the last decade.

Frozen waterways

Every year, police say 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.

With Ontario Snowmobile Safety Week running from Feb. 10-17. For more information about the OFSC and snowmobile safety, visit: https://www.ofsc.on.ca/safety/.