Toronto, Ontario – The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has increased patrols on snowmobile trails following a recent surge in snowmobile accidents. According to the OPP, 158 snowmobilers have lost their lives in Ontario over the past decade, with a significant number of fatalities occurring on frozen lakes and rivers due to poor ice conditions and impaired driving.
Safety measures and precautions are being emphasized by officials to prevent further tragedies. OPP deputy commissioner Rohan Thompson emphasized the importance of making informed decisions before embarking on a snowmobile ride, particularly on frozen waterways where safety is not guaranteed. Responsible snowmobiling includes staying sober, taking training courses at the start of each season, wearing protective gear like helmets, riding in control, and sticking to official trails.
In response to the recent accidents, the Southern Georgian Bay OPP detachment has charged multiple snowmobilers with various offenses, such as modified exhaust systems, lack of trail passes, and speeding. Increased monitoring of trails and the implementation of R.I.D.E. programs are part of their efforts to enhance trail safety.
Tragic incidents have occurred across Ontario, with reports of snowmobilers falling through ice, colliding with obstacles, and suffering injuries. The Bracebridge OPP, along with emergency response teams, located the body of a snowmobiler who had fallen through the ice on the Go Home River. In another incident, a snowmobiler in Havelock-Belmont-Methuen township hit a pressure crack and was airlifted to a hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.
Further incidents involving snowmobiles going through ice and collisions on trails have prompted a heightened sense of urgency among OPP detachments across the region. Safety remains a top priority as authorities continue to stress the importance of responsible snowmobiling practices to prevent further accidents on Ontario’s trails.