(Photo credit: Jonas Bengtsson/Creative Commons)
Snowmobiling is a great activity to help you and your family enjoy winter outdoors. While it’s great family fun, you want to make sure you’re riding safely.
There have been three fatal snowmobile accidents since the beginning of the season to mid-January 2015, according to the OPP. Alcohol was the primary cause for two of the accidents and two of the victims were not wearing helmets.
Last winter season, 21 people died from snowmobile accidents. In 11 of the fatalities, speed was cited as the primary cause, and in seven of them, alcohol was the primary cause.
Recently, the OPP wrapped up its Snowmobile Safety Week, which educates riders on snowmobile safety.
Before heading out on your snowmobile for the first time this season, there are some things you should do to ensure your safety.
Here are a few tips to follow:
- Make sure your snowmobile works properly. Before riding it, take it to a garage for service since there’s a chance it could break down while you’re in a location without anyone to help.
- Never go snowmobiling without your helmet and other safety gear.
- Check your gear and equipment. Make sure you have everything before heading out. Check that everything fits properly and is in good working order.
- Always keep a repair kit, first aid kit and survival kit with you. A repair kit should include an owner’s manual, spare belt and spark plugs. Both a first aid kit or survival kit can be bought online or at outdoor stores, which can be a great help during unexpected circumstances.
- Don’t go out alone. It’s always safer and more fun to ride with a group.
- Bring electronics wit you. Whether it’s a GPS, cellphone, satellite phone or personal tracking unit, all these devices can help you or others find your location in an unexpected situation.
- Never drink alcohol or consume other drugs before snowmobiling
One danger the OPP has highlighted this winter is the risk of riding across ice. The OPP is warning people of this danger and asking riders to avoid it, if possible. This season, two snowmobiles, which were carrying one driver and one passenger each, fell into the water. Luckily, everyone was able to get out safely, but all riders need to be aware that riding on ice isn’t 100 per cent safe.
During the early winter or early spring, ice forms, but it isn’t thick enough to sustain much weight. It’s better to cross the water using bridges or culverts.
If you do choose to ride across the ice, the OPP suggests riders check the ice’s thickness and quality, such as whether it’s slushy, untracked or whether it’s near moving water or dock bubblers, before crossing; never travel over the ice alone; wear a buoyant snowmobile suit and bring ice picks; and be weary of obstacles, such as rocks, stumps and docks, while crossing the ice.
Accident benefits are available to anyone involved in a motor vehicle accident. The personal injury and accident lawyers at Neinstein Personal Injury Lawyers have been dealing with all accident related issues throughout Ontario for over 45 years. We know how to get you the compensation that you deserve and get your life back in order after being in a car accident. Call us at 416-920-4242, set up a free consultation, and come speak with us.