Snowmobiling Safety: How to protect yourself this winter
Mar 3, 2010
The effects of winter seem to have resonated to the enjoyment of pastimes. Just as there have been a large amount of pedestrian deaths in 2010 thus far, there seems to have been an unwanted number of snowmobiling related accidents and deaths as well. Let’s face it, this winter in Canada has been unusual, especially in Ontario where we did not see an accumulation of snow until February.
We have to concern ourselves with the reality of global warming. We have not had tremendous snowfall this year and we have had some higher than normal temperatures. This means paying special attention to bodies of water that are frozen, or appear frozen. Police were actually urging snowmobile operators and outdoor enthusiasts to stay off area lakes and bodies of water as ice conditions have been unsafe and unpredictable due to mild weather.
According to the website of the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs, there are certain conditions to be met in order to snowmobile legally in Ontario:
- A valid driver’s license (or alternatively a Snow Vehicle Operator’s License)
- A valid Snowmobile Trail Permit
- Proof of snowmobile ownership
- Snowmobile registration
- Snowmobile insurance
- Approved snowmobile helmets
The Ontario Ministry of Transportation’s website tells us that Ontario is home to 43,000 kilometres of maintained, interconnected snowmobile trails. According to the Canadian Institute for Health Information, snowmobiling is the number one cause of winter sport and recreation-related injuries.
Three reasons come to mind: speeding, ice conditions and impaired driving.
Speeding:
The posted speed limits for snowmobiles are as follows:
- 50 kilometres an hour on snowmobile trails;
- 20 kilometres an hour on roads where the speed limit is 50km/h or less;
- 50 kilometres an hour on roads where the speed limit is over 50km/h.
Ice conditions:
Do not tread on thin ice; it is difficult to determine the exact thickness of ice.
Provincial Police have recommended the following guidelines:
- Be suspicious of grey, dark, or porous spots in the ice as these may be soft areas;
- Ice is stronger where it is hard and blue;
- Heavy snow cover insulates ice and prevents it from freezing and can be deceptive.
Impaired driving:
Remember to be rational:
- Driving a snowmobile while impaired, if convicted, can result in losing your driving privileges for all motor vehicles;
- Be aware that alcohol affects your judgment and can increase your risk of hypothermia.
Minister of Transportation Jim Bradley is sending the right message to Ontarians: “Alcohol, thin ice and freezing temperature have had tragic results for far too many Ontario riders. Please ride responsibly and prepare for all conditions. It could save your life.”
Useful Safety Tips:
- Don’t take shortcuts.
- Know your route.
- Watch out for obstacles such as trees, fences and debris.
- Gage the ice; don’t underestimate a frozen body of water.
- Don’t travel alone.
- Avoid impaired driving at all costs.
- Dress in appropriate winter wear and wear layers!
- Wear a helmet.
- Temper your urge to speed and obey posted speed limits; they are there for your own protection.
- Pack a survival/emergency kit and be prepared for the unexpected.
“Advice is like snow - the softer it falls, the longer it dwells upon, and the deeper in sinks into the mind.” – Samuel Taylor Coleridge.
By: Melanie Luxenberg, Law Clerk, Gluckstein & Associates LLP
