With three Ontario snowmobile deaths already this season in OPP jurisdictions, drinking while snowmobiling was a hot topic as the OPP and Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) kicked off provincial Snowmobile Safety Week on Jan. 15.
OPP found alcohol was involved in all three of the fatal incidents, and was the primary cause of two of them. Two of the three victims were not wearing a helmet.
Last season (2013-14), 21 people died while snowmobiling (in OPP jurisdictions) and the OPP continues to see recurring contributing factors.
“Alcohol was involved in at least seven of last season’s incidents and speed was found to be the primary cause in 11 of them,” police state in a press release.
“With several weeks left in the 2015 season, the OPP is reminding snowmobilers to take charge of their own safety, as this is the only way to eliminate snowmobile fatalities.”
Snowmobiling under the influence of any amount of alcohol or drugs carries severe penalties.
If convicted of snowmobiling while impaired, a rider could lose driving privileges for all types of vehicles.
