Extra care needed for driving remote bush roads in the winter

Northerners are being told that driving on forestry roads and bush roads is not the same as highway driving.

That's the essence of a warning message issued this past week by Workplace Safety North (WSN), the provincial agency that promotes health and safety in the mining and forestry industries.

Ontario’s forest roads are rugged and unpredictable. These roads are rough, with sharp turns, wildlife, and large trucks. They often don’t have emergency services or cell phone coverage and have different challenges to regular highways, said a news release from WSN.

Chris Serratore, health and safety services director at WSN, said there are critical reasons for Northerners to be extra careful on bush roads even if they're driving for recreational purposes.

“Every year there are severe and fatal accidents on Ontario’s forest roads, and due to remote Northern Ontario bush locations, it can take hours for help to arrive.”

WSN said it has been asked by Northern forest companies to help raise awareness with the public who often use these roads for recreation. Whether you’re working or exploring, being prepared and driving cautiously can save lives. said the WSN release.

In 2020, Ontario reported 15 snowmobile-related deaths and 168 injuries both on and off highway. While the data doesn’t focus specifically on forest roads, snowmobiles, ATVs, and other recreational vehicles often use these routes. To stay safe, drivers and recreational users need to slow down, stay alert, and be ready for unexpected hazards.

The WSN warning is especially important for visitors from Southern Ontario who might travel along a bush road. Southerners are completely unfamiliar with the amount of logging activity happening. Drivers need to slow down, stay alert, and expect the unexpected, said the release. 

WSN has published a list of common mistakes that can become dangerous for drivers with little or no experience on remote bush roads: 

1. Speeding: Forest roads demand slower speeds. Loose gravel, narrow turns, and poor visibility makes speeding a recipe for disaster. Even a small skid can send your vehicle into the trees or over a steep edge. Drive with caution, adjusting your speed to road conditions.
2. Distracted driving: Skip eating or texting while driving – wildlife and forestry vehicles demand full attention. Fatigue is also a big concern on forest roads, especially after long hours. Stay alert and save the snacks and scrolling for later.
3. Impairment: Alcohol, drugs, or fatigue dull reflexes—don’t risk it. With narrow passages, limited traction, and unexpected obstacles, sharp reflexes are essential.
4. Skipping the seatbelt: You might feel tempted to forgo a seatbelt when you’re just “taking it slow” on these rough roads. But unpredictable surfaces and sudden stops mean that seatbelts are as essential in the forest as they are on the highway.