The Ontario Provincial Police and the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs are getting together to spread the message of safety on snowmobile trails.
The two organizations are promoting Snowmobile Safety Week, which starts today.
O-P-P Commissioner Chris Lewis says the message is all about safety adding operating a snowmobile is no different than driving a car.
He says the message includes not drinking and snowmobiling, driving safely, having the proper equipment, and using all safety pre-cautions.
Lewis notes there have been two people killed while operating snowmobiles so far this winter season and both were the result of impairment.
The Chair of the O-F-S-C’s Snowmobile Trail Officer Program (STOP) — Andy Chvedukas — says over 90 per cent of crashes involving snowmobiles occurs off the trails.
He says most of the collisions are the result of going across lakes and hitting frozen objects, or going on roads and hitting parked vehicles.
Lewis says there is not much protection on a snowmobile than it is with a car.
He says you are more likely to get injured from a snowmobile crash.
Chvedukas says experience also plays a part in snowmobile safety.
He says everyone learns how to operate a snowmobile at their own pace.
He says those who enjoy riding a snowmobile will take safety courses or be taught to ride a snowmobile by an experienced snowmobiler.
Snowmobile Safety Week runs from January 15th to the 21st.
