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What you need to know before you play in the snow

Tips that could save the lives of snowmobile and all terrain vehicle operators this winter
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FILE PHOTO

NEWS RELEASE

ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE

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ORILLIA, ONT. – The goal of the OPP Central Region front line officers and OPP Central Region Traffic Management and Snowmobile All Terrain Vessel Enforcement (SAVE) team is to ensure that Motorized Snow Vehicle Operators enjoy this upcoming winter snowmobile season.

Here are a few helpful tips:

  • Check the ice thickness and quality with local ice hut operators and MNRF before riding on any frozen waterway
  • Only travel on ice that is already well-tracked and stay on the marked Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Club (OFSC) trails 
  • Leave a detailed plan of your destination and anticipated return 
  • Watch out for obstacles like rocks, stumps, docks, pressure cracks, fishing huts and open water created by bubblers and river mouths
  • Wear a buoyant snowmobile suit and carry ice picks on you
  • Stop at Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere(RIDE) programs and always have your documentation ready for inspection 
  • Wear a proper snowmobile helmet and ensure it is fastened! 
  • Remember … No ice is safe ice!  Conditions change due to several factors.  What was safe last week may not be safe this week.
  • Never operate while under the influence of Alcohol or Drugs!

The OPP is committed to saving lives on Ontario’s highways, trails and waterways through high visibility patrols and enforcement in order to reduce preventable injuries and death.  Officers will be out in full force with RADAR units conducting speed enforcement on Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Club trails.  The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) would like to remind snowmobile operators the speed limit is 50km/h on the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) trails and 20km/h on city streets. 

Visit opp.ca for more information.

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