(Ottawa) – The Ottawa Police’s Marine Dive and Trail Unit is reminding snowmobile enthusiasts about trail safety.
The Ottawa Police Service Marine Dive and Trail Unit (MDT) is stepping up enforcement on snow trails in the Ottawa area. Over this past weekend officers conducted random patrols in addition to RIDE checkpoints. Twenty charges under Provincial legislations and one alcohol-related administrative driving suspension were issued.
The Ottawa Police Service wants to ensure that public safety on the trails is maintained. In that spirit, snow machine operators are being reminded that the Impaired Driving and Over 80 provisions and penalties as outlined in the Criminal Code of Canada apply equally to any motorized vehicle conveyance including snow machines. Provincial legislation also provides for administrative driver’s license suspensions (similar to the Highway Traffic Act) in cases where snow machine operators are under the influence of alcohol.
The Ottawa Police are encouraging all snow machine enthusiasts to enjoy the trails but do so in a manner that is conducive to the safety of everyone involved. The Ottawa Police will continue with its presence on the trails over the winter season.
