There were several snowmobile collisions throughout Southwestern Ontario over the weekend.
Wellington County OPP Constable Keith Robb noted that in a collision in Grey County, one person was killed when he left the trail and struck a tree.
Grey OPP Constable Drew Wilder said David William Hart, 37, of Thorndale was travelling west on an Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Club trail northwest of Dornoch when his 2008 Skidoo went off the trail hitting the tree. Hart was pronounced dead at the scene. The OPP used its snow machines to transport expert investigators to the scene 1 km east of Concession 4. The crash occurred on OFSC Trail 240, commonly known as the Dornoch – Chesley trail.
Wilder said Police do not suspect alcohol to be factor.
He said the OFSC had deemed that specific trail to be open but with limited access. “They define limited access as ‘Trails are passable for marginal snowmobiling.’ This collision occurred around open water which police believe contributed to the operator going off the trail,” Wilder said.
Robb noted that in another crash, a person left the trail and struck an embankment. In a third incident, two people went through the ice on a snowmobile.
He said snowmobiling can be a dangerous activity if snowmobilers choose to make bad decisions when they are operating their snow machines.
Robb suggested drivers slow down when travelling on unfamiliar trails or when they have limited visibility.
“Use caution when operating on frozen waterways. Ensure that the ice is at least 5 inches thick before you take a snowmobile on it.”
Police issues
Drivers of a snowmobile shall carry, at all times,
– a driver’s licence or motorized snow vehicle (MSV) operator’s licence;
– evidence of the motorized snow vehicle’s registration, and shall produce them to a police officer or conservation officer;
MSV drivers must stop for police and conservation officers as well as land owners. Failure to comply is an arrestable offence.
Alcohol
All impaired driving laws apply to MSV’s anywhere in Canada; on private property or otherwise.
All Liquor Licence Act laws apply to MSV drivers and passengers, such as consumption, open, or readily available liquor.
Municipal bylaws
Check with the local municipal office to determine whether there are bylaws specific to an area, or the one in which a ride is planned.
Private property
No one may drive an MSV on private property without permission of the owner. That includes but is not limited to fields, forests, business properties, driveways and lawns.
Safety precautions
– don’t drink and drive;
– know the machine and how to use it;
– know the route and leave an itinerary with someone;
– carry a map, compass, cell phone;
– never ride on untested ice surfaces;
– carry extra belts and spark plugs;
– have cash on hand for emergency fuel purchases; and
– dress for the weather.
