The OPP are preaching snowmobile safety this week as plenty of enthusiasts are taking advantage of the fresh snow fall.
OXFORD COUNTY - It's snowmobile safety week and the OPP is reminding all riders to ride sober.
Plenty of snowmobile enthusiasts are taking advantage of the fresh snow fall. The trails in our area are still closed, however, plenty of people are still heading in fields or travelling north.
The OPP is reminding everyone about some sobering statistics. 45% of all victims in snowmobiling fatalities in Ontario in the past 10 years had either been drinking or taking drugs. The penalties that apply to impaired drivers on the road ALSO apply to snowmobilers. In that time, 44.6% of all snowmobile fatalities have happened on a lake or river.
Over the same time period, 92% of all snowmobile fatality victims have been male. 25.7% of victims were between the age of 45-54. Excessive speed is the leading contributing factor in motorized snow vehicle deaths.
Police are simply reminding riders to make safety a priority, drive in pairs and make sure you bring some emergency supplies with you, things like blankets, ligthers and a cell phone. Also never ride alone, use the buddy system.

Animal Cruelty Incident Under Investigation
Woodstonian Charged in Human Trafficking Investigation
Changing Lives in Canada and Rwanda
Woodstock Prepares for the Lighting of Museum Square
A New Coalition Comes to Oxford County
Man Charged in EZT After Traffic Complaint
United Way Stair Climb Successful in Woodstock
Woodstock Chamber Celebrates Local Business
Registration Opens for Snow Buddies
Harvards Prepare for Remembrance Day
Students Face Off in United Way Stair Climb Today
Teenage Driver Charged with Impaired
Thistle Theatre Presents: The Perils of Persephone
CO Awareness Week Underway
Strong Winds Expected for Oxford
Federal Liberals Table Budget
TDMH Celebrates a Year of the RAFT
News Poll: Poppy Campaign Underway
SWPH Confirms Case of Influenza A
Public Input Needed for Woodstock Transit
Comments
Add a comment