Tips for a Safe Snowmobiling Season

(Huron County, ON) The Huron OPP along with members of the OFSC in Huron County wish to remind snowmobilers about safe riding in this area. Snowmobiling is one of the joys of a Canadian winter, but failing to take the necessary precautions can quickly result in tragedy. Every season, an average of 30 to 40 people is killed and more than 300 are injured while snowmobiling in Ontario. Most incidents occur off trail and involve alcohol, high speed, or riding after dark. In 2009 two snowmobilers lost their lives in Huron County.

Snowmobilers are reminded that a Snowmobile Trail Permit is required for riding on OFSC prescribed trails. Without a permit, a snowmobiler may be charged with Trespassing. A snowmobiler may also be charged for riding on private property without permission from the owner. Please be respectful of the property of others. Currently the OFSC is working hard to ensure that trails are ready for all, but with the late start to winter, conditions are still limited. Anyone planning a ride is strongly urged to check the OFSC website for the most current information on trail conditions. If a trail is listed as Closed, it is the obligation of the snowmobiler to know that and to stay off. For more information on snowmobiling and trail conditions visit: www.ofsc.on.ca. Members of the Huron OPP will be patrolling the snowmobile trails throughout the remainder of the winter.

Don’t drink and ride

Alcohol affects judgment and response times, increases fatigue and the risk of hypothermia.
Drinking and riding is a criminal offence that can affect your driving record and insurance rates.

Speeding

Always respect the speed limits posted on trails and roadways. The speed limit on a trail is generally 50 km/h unless otherwise indicated.

Night riding

Lower your speed. Reduced nighttime visibility makes hazards such as rocks, trees, fences and gates more difficult to spot.

Every snowmobile must have working head and tail lights.
Wear reflective clothing.
Avoid riding alone.
If you must stop on a road or trail, pull off to the side and keep your snowmobile running so your lights will be visible to oncoming traffic.

Ice and snowmobiling

Ice conditions can be unpredictable and change quickly so avoid traveling on unmarked frozen lakes and rivers.
If you must ride on ice, always check ice conditions before going out and stay on trails that have been marked by the local snowmobile club.

Wear a buoyant snowmobile suit and carry ice picks to improve your chances of survival if you break through ice or drive into open water.

Protect yourself from the elements

Always wear an approved helmet.
Wear layers of warm, waterproof and windproof clothing.
Install a visor on your helmet, wear UV protected sunglasses, or goggles to reduce glare and guard against snow blindness.

As an off-road experience, snowmobiling takes place in an unpredictable and inherently risky natural setting, so it’s up to each rider to make smart choices and be responsible for their own safety and the safety of others.

Tell people where you’re going so if you do break down or get lost they will know whether to look for you.
To safely drive a snowmobile, you need to be strong, skilled and mature. That’s why children younger than 16 years of age should not operate snowmobiles. It also takes strength and stamina to be a passenger. You need to be able to hold on tight for a long period of time, often while the snowmobile goes over bumpy ground at a high speed. Children younger than 6 years old should not ride as passengers on a snowmobile.

Carry a first aid kit, and an emergency tool kit with spark plugs, and drive and fan belts, an extra key, and a survival kit that includes flares. Carry a cellular phone if you’re in an area with service. Take Safety equipment with you – pack ice picks, rope, pocketknife, compass, whistle, fire starter kit in your pocket.

Have a safe and fun snowmobiling season!

RESIDENTIAL DAYLIGHT BREAK & ENTER

(South Huron, ON) On January 5, 2009 between noon and 3:00 pm, a residence in South Huron was broken into by unknown suspects. The Huron OPP is currently investigating the break & enter that occurred on Parr Line at Huron Road. The entire home was ransacked and items taken included electronics, cash and jewellery. The value of the loss is still unknown but is in the thousands of dollars.

The parked suspect vehicle would have been visible from the road and police believe it would have been there for a significant amount of time. Anyone driving by the residence during that timeframe and who noticed an unusual vehicle is asked to make contact with the Huron OPP. In addition, anyone with any information concerning this crime is encouraged to call the Huron OPP at 1-800-310-1122 or CRIME STOPPERS- 1-800-222-T.I.P.S. (8477). LP10003635

CASH FOUND IN CLINTON – NO OWNER LOCATED

(Central Huron, ON) On December 24, 2009 an envelope was found in a shopping cart at the Foodland in Clinton with a quantity of cash, a receipt from the Clinton LCBO and a December 11th receipt from Giant Tiger. Attempts to locate the owner so far have been unsuccessful.

If you are the owner of this found property, please contact the Huron OPP at 1-800-310-1122. LP09332428

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