Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs and OPP mark snowmobile safety week
The Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) and the Ontario Provincial Police are teaming up to remind snowmobilers of the importance of riding safely.
It's "Snowmobile Safety Week" in Ontario and riders are being asked to watch their speed and pay attention to conditions. It's a warning the OPP said is often unheeded.
According to the OPP, driving too fast for conditions has been the leading cause of snowmobile deaths over the last 10 years. In addition to watching your speed, Ryan Eickmeier, CEO of the OFSC, says proper snowmobile maintenance is another safety factor to consider.
"You don't want to get stranded out there," said Eickmeier. "So make sure your machines are in good shape. Make sure you've inspected them. Make sure you're riding with partners. It gives you options and the ability to adapt to unforeseen situations."
John Breckenridge, President of Sault Trailblazers, says snowmobiling is a fun winter activity when enjoyed safely. He says there are some important safety tips to keep in mind before hitting the trails.
"I try to instruct everybody that I see to ride on the right-hand side of the trail," says Breckenridge.
"Ride on their own side of the trail. Ride at their own means. Don't try to keep up with your friend in front of you because they may be a faster rider. Just ride at your own means where you're comfortable. Don't put yourself in a situation where you're not comfortable."
Breckenridge says trail etiquette is another consideration.
"I know a lot of people have (what) we call 'cans' on their sleds," he says. "As long as you're not on the throttle hard, they don't make a lot of noise. But, you've got to be respectful. Because we're going through a lot of private property, and it's very easy for someone to say 'nope, no more, we don't want you there, you're making too much noise."
Breckenridge and Eickmeier are both encouraging riders to regularly consult the OFSC Interactive Trail Guide to determine which trails are open. They're also encouraging riders to take great care near waterways as they may not be completely frozen.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Canada banning Chinese telecom giant Huawei, ZTE from 5G networks
Canada is banning China's Huawei Technologies and ZTE, another Chinese company, from participating in the country's 5G wireless networks, citing national security and cybersecurity concerns. Industry Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne and Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino made the announcement about prohibiting products and services from these 'high-risk vendors,' in Ottawa on Thursday.

BREAKING | N.B. coroner jury says use-of-force policy needs review after officer kills woman
An independent group should review the use-of-force policy that guides New Brunswick police to ensure it is concise and understood by all officers in the province, a coroner's jury recommended Thursday.
Monkeypox: What is it and how does it spread?
A growing number of countries, including Canada, the U.S., Spain, Portugal, and the U.K, are reporting an unusual outbreak of monkeypox. Here is what we know about this rare virus.
911 dispatcher who took Buffalo shooting call put on leave
A 911 dispatcher has been placed on leave and may lose her job after allegedly hanging up on an supermarket employee hiding during this weekend's shooting rampage in Buffalo, New York.
Canada inflation: How we compare to other G7 nations
With a meeting of G7 finance ministers underway this week, a CTVNews.ca analysis found that while Canadians are feeling the pain of record-high inflation, among G7 nations we are surpassed by Germany, the U.S., and the U.K.
Service Canada increases staffing at passport counters, but long waits persist
With lengthy delays for Canadians seeking to get a new or renewed passport, Service Canada says it’s upped staffing at passport service counters to expedite processing ahead of the summer travel season. Yet, travellers say they’re still facing long wait times.
Jason Kenney has quit as UCP leader. What happens to the party and government now?
With Jason Kenney having stepped down as leader of Alberta's United Conservative Party, who is now leader of the province?
Conservatives want Canada to revert to pre-pandemic travel rules
The Conservative Party is doubling down on its call for the federal government to do away with travel restrictions and revert back to 'pre-pandemic rules' in light of recent airport delays.
OPINION | Don Martin: Premier Jason Kenney deserved a better death
There's a lesson for Canada's political leaders in the short life and quick death of Jason Kenney as premier of Alberta, writes Don Martin in an exclusive opinion column for CTVNews.ca.