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Posted: May 01, 2009
(Barrie, ON. March 3, 2009):
With snowmobilers riding more than 150 million
cumulative kilometres this winter, the vast majority
arrive home safely after every ride. To maintain this
safety record, the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile
Clubs reminds snowmobilers that the safest place to ride
for the rest of the season continues to be with care and
control on open OFSC trails. The OFSC joins the Ontario
Provincial Police in their recent call for snowmobilers
to make smart choices and for the vast majority of
snowmobilers who are law-abiding people to take more
responsibility for their peers.
This safety message is particularly important because
OFSC snowmobiling has attracted more participants this
year thanks to renewed interest and a long winter.
Although this has meant more riding activity, the OFSC
is pleased to report several positive developments. To
date, only 6% of all fatalities have occurred on open
OFSC snowmobile trails…94% happened off trail, where the
riding risk is considerably greater. In relation to the
rise in overall participation, the rate of fatalities
this winter has not increased. And so far, fatalities
among youth has reduced to zero, compared to six under
18 tragedies last winter.
The OFSC also notes that 70% of this winter’s fatalities
occurred after dark. Off-trail riding, riding after
dark, excessive speed and alcohol are each
well-documented and preventable causes of snowmobiling
incidents. They result from riders making foolish
choices and from their peers continuing to condone their
risky behaviour. Given that the majority of fatalities
this winter are among adults over 33 years of age who
should know better, the OFSC renews its call for family
and friends to help save lives and reduce injuries by
speaking out against irresponsible riding and urging
riders to stick to open OFSC trails as weather and snow
condition permit.
The OFSC is committed to proactive leadership in
promoting safe, responsible riding, on and off Ontario
snowmobile trails, by building safer snowmobiling
knowledge, attitudes and behaviours through rider
education, safety legislation development and
enforcement.
For further information,
please contact: Leta Elsner (705) 739-7669
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Paudash Trail Blazers Snowmobile Club, P.O. Box 130, Apsley, Ontario K0L 1A0
Phone: (705) 656-2292 Fax: (705) 656-2602 Toll Free: 1-800-385-8644 info@paudashtrailblazers.on.ca |
