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Stay off closed trails, say OPP and Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs

Provincial police responded to first snowmobile fatality of season earlier this month
opp-snowmobile
(File)

With mild temperatures forecast for many parts of the province into the holidays, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) are warning snowmobilers to stay off closed OFSC trails. 

The OPP is also urging riders to stay off frozen waterways as they too remain unsafe.

The OPP responded to its first snowmobile fatality of the season earlier this month after a man lost control of his snowmobile. 

The tragic death is the latest reminder that snowmobiling comes with an unpredictable environment and unique set of risks, said a press release.

Excessive speed, driving too fast for the conditions losing control and alcohol are among the top contributing factors in OPP-investigated snowmobile fatalities every season.

Snowmobilers are reminded to regularly check the OFSC Interactive Trail Guide for real-time trail availability information over the holidays and throughout the season. 

OFSC prescribed trails are subject to laws governed under the Ontario Motorized Snow Vehicles Act and enforced by police throughout the province. 

The OPP remains committed to saving lives on Ontario highways, waterways and trails, the press release said.