WELLINGTON NORTH – Police are reminding Wellington County residents about snowmobile safety after a teenager was seriously injured here last week.
Emergency crews responded to a snowmobile collision on the 2nd Line in Wellington North on Dec. 26 at about 1:30pm.
Wellington County OPP officials say a 13-year-old operating a snowmobile on a farm property “lost control … and collided with a concrete barn wall.”
Police added the teenager, who was not wearing a helmet, was transported to a local hospital and later flown by Ornge air ambulance to a trauma centre with serious injuries.
The OPP is reminding snowmobile riders of the following safety tips:
- obey speed limits and road/trail signs and always drive within your ability. Reduce your speed when driving at night and watch out for fences, guide wires and other objects that are more difficult to spot at night;
- avoid driving on frozen lakes and rivers. If it can’t be avoided, check ice conditions beforehand. Wear a buoyant snowmobile suit. Carry ice picks and make sure they are accessible;
- tell someone of your outing; including where you are going, the route, description of your snowmobile and your expected time of return;
- never travel alone and always be prepared for the unexpected. Carry a cell phone if available;
- never drive impaired. Alcohol, illegal drugs, even prescription and some over-the-counter drugs can slow your reaction time and affect your ability to make good decisions; and
- always wear a properly fitted helmet.
“Never ride on private property without permission of the landowner,” police stated, adding a trail permit is required to ride on Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs trails.
