Last weekend, there were four separate incidents involving snowmobiles and riders being injured in the Sudbury area.
First responders have some advice for people hitting the trails or lakes and what to do if something goes wrong.
Emergency crews say they often get calls to remote areas, deep in the bush or out on lakes where snowmobilers need help or are injured.
Jesse Oshell of the Greater Sudbury Fire Service says cell phones can be a big help.
“These days, with the use of smart phones and technology, having GPS coordinates is almost a given. So if you can provide that to the emergency dispatcher, that aids in first responders getting to you as quickly as possible.” said Oshell.
On the last two weekends in Greater Sudbury, police say there have been five snowmobile crashes, all involving injuries.
“Speed is a big factor in a lot of the collisions that happen out there and it doesn't have to be 100 km an hour. You have to look at the weather conditions. You have to look at the trail or lake conditions that you are traveling on.” said Sergeant Tim Burtt of the Greater Sudbury Police Service.
Police say some of the collisions have happened in remote areas.
“If you are out on your sled and you are riding in an area you are not aware of, you don't know what those obstacles can be. As we start getting into certain times of the year, we start getting pressure cracks and we have had some serious collisions.” said Burtt.
Emergency responders say riders should be prepared and have a plan.
“If you are snowmobiling, you have a full tank of fuel, you have a set destination that you are going to, so that way you are giving yourself the best chance for success during your travel or trip.” said Oshell.
Emergency responders also say to make sure someone knows where you are going, when you expect to arrive and then let them know you made it to your destination safely.
