This is Snowmobile Week

News Release
OFSC/OPP

January 13 to 19, 2013 is Snowmobile Safety Week and the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) kicked off the campaign with important messages about what it takes to enjoy a safe snowmobile season in Ontario.
Members of the OPP Highway Safety Division and other OPP members were joined by OFSC, S.T.O.P. (Snowmobile Trail Officer Patrol) and S.A.V.E. (Snowmobile ATV and Vessel Enforcement) Unit members to share information about the dangers and risks associated with snowmobiling - especially when alcohol and riding on lakes and rivers are involved.
As part of the campaign kick-off, an Ontario resident recounted her personal and tragic ordeal of losing her son to an impaired snowmobiler in Central Ontario. Her story sent a strong message that snowmobiling while impaired places other snowmobilers at risk and that these tragedies are completely preventable.
According to the OPP, seven of the 13 snowmobiling fatalities investigated by the OPP last season (2011-2012) involved alcohol and they have already investigated two snowmobiling incidents this year (2013) in which alcohol and unsafe ice were factors.
The OPP and OFSC are reminding snowmobilers that these statistics underscore the importance of making smart choices like riding sober, avoiding lakes and rivers and using OFSC prescribed trails. According to the OPP and OFSC, more than 90 percent of fatalities occur off OFSC designated trails.
With the current warm weather through much of the province this week, the OPP and OFSC are strongly urging snowmobilers to avoid lakes and rivers altogether, as waterways with previously formed ice deteriorate rapidly.