Make sure you’re prepared before you hit the trails with your snowmobile.
That warning from the Ontario Provincial Police and the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs.
Eric Saunter is the Manager of Safety and Volunteer Development for the OFSC.
He encourages you to stay on marked trails while snowmobiling.
Saunter says since snowmobiling can happen far away from help — you have to be prepared to help yourself.
This includes carrying a tool kit, spare parts, flashlights, first-aid kit and survival items such as high-energy food, fire-starting equipment and a compass.
Saunter notes the biggest concern for snowmobilers comes at the beginning and end of the season when trails aren’t open and people travel on lakes and rivers.
Saunter also says if you have to go on any ice, you should know before you leave home.
Saunter adds the OFSC website at www.ofsc.com can provide more help with safety tips, open trail listings and a section which links to snowmobile licence courses.
Saunter says if you are going on the trails with children, you have to consider their age and adds there is a certain age where it becomes unsafe to bring a child.
He also says you have to ride 100 per cent alcohol free and if convicted a driver could loose all their driving privileges.
In general, Saunter says where there is a sufficient snow fall, trails are good to ride on, but he notes the quality of the trails varies across the province.
