(HURON COUNTY, ON) – “Wow, you guys have a great job.†is a common remark heard by the Huron County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) snowmobile operators when they encounter fellow snowmobilers on the trail system. Provincial Constables Scott Mead and Gentry Wilson are two of Huron County OPP’s trained snowmobile operators and yes indeed they both love their current assignment.
“The conditions have been absolutely perfect this year†comments PC Mead. Since the opening of the trail system at the end of 2013 there have been near daily patrols from the Huron OPP Snowmobile Unit. Thus far into the 2013-14 season Huron OPP has completed over 2000 kilometers of patrols on each of Huron’s two new 2013 long track Ski-Doo’s.
Officers patrol in pairs throughout the vast network of trails in Huron County. The trails in Huron County form part of the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Club (OFSC) District 9 trail system. Huron OPP snowmobile patrols are taking place every day of the week and the hours of patrols vary depending on the day. There has been a mix of daytime and nighttime patrols this season. Huron OPP patrols have also been complemented by OFSC Trail Warden patrols.
Officers assigned to snow mobile patrols are responsible for enforcing the various regulations and laws pertaining to the Criminal Code, Motorized Snow Vehicle Act, Trespass to Property Act, Liquor Licence Act and Municipal By-Laws.
Constables Wilson and Mead report there is zero tolerance for alcohol related offences on the trail system. “If you are stopped by police and your ability to drive a snowmobile has been impaired by alcohol and/or drug, expect to be arrested and charged.â€
Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere (R.I.D.E) checkpoints are frequently set up at strategic locations throughout the trail system. Please keep in mind, just because you’re on the trail and not on a highway the penalties for an impaired driving conviction are exactly the same. So far the results are encouraging as Huron OPP has yet to lay a single impaired operation charge on the snowmobile trail system this year. Huron OPP report the common violations encountered are: Failing to Have a Valid Trail Permit, Expired Validation Sticker, Failing to Produce Ownership and Proof of Insurance.
In addition to routine patrols the Huron OPP Snowmobile operators have been utilized on more than one occasion this year to locate snowmobilers that have become lost on unfamiliar trails or have become disoriented in poor weather conditions. PC Mead advises, “Take a map with you, know where you are at all times and don’t forget to take a charged cell phone with youâ€. Apps are currently available through the OFSC website that can be installed on your mobile device that will provide you with an accurate map of the entire trail system. You can also install the OFSC trail networks onto your GPS system so you know exactly where you are at all times.
Constable Wilson also reminds snowmobile enthusiasts to know their machines and how to fix some basic problems that they may encounter. “Just today we had to replace a drive belt on our machine. We were quite a ways back in the bush and nowhere near a roadway, however we had a spare drive belt with us and we knew how to make the necessary repairs. Being prepared and taking the necessary equipment with you will make for a much safer and enjoyable ride.â€
Some basic items to take with you include: a charged cell phone, extra oil, an extra spark plug, extra drive belts, tow rope, a winter survival kit consisting of a first aid kit, ice picks, waterproof matches with fire starter, a knife or multi-tool, energy bars, water, and blankets. Always be prepared for the unexpected and avoid travelling alone. Always tell someone that you are going out for a ride and tell them the route you are taking and when you expect to arrive at your destination.
Snowmobiling is one of the joys of a Canadian winter; however, not taking the necessary precautions can quickly result in tragedy. As you enjoy the beautiful outdoors this Family Day weekend please drive with care and caution while out on the trails.
For further information on safe snowmobiling and where to ride, contact the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs at www.ofsc.on.ca