OFSC Says First Fatality of Season Was Preventable and Predictable
Snowmobilers Warned not to Ride Until Conditions Improve
Barrie, ON.; December 20, 2001: Following the unfortunate death of a young male while riding alone and at night near Moonbeam, snowmobilers across Ontario are warned to carefully assess current conditions and use extreme caution if attempting to ride over the Christmas holidays. The Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs has issued a pre Christmas advisory for snowmobilers to check and pay close attention to trail conditions posted by local clubs at <www.ofsc.on.ca> prior to embarking on any ride. In any areas displaying a "Trails Closed" or "Not Yet Open" message, such as continues to be the case in the Moonbeam area, the OFSC urges snowmobilers not to ride anywhere as this message likely means that all conditions, both on-trail and off, are hazardous and unsafe.
"If a club has not posted a new Trail Condition Report to update their existing "Trails Not Yet Open" message, that probably means that conditions have not improved sufficiently, so that trail closures remain in effect," stated OFSC Trails Chair Mike Farr. "No one wants to get going more than our clubs, but they cannot start grooming until the ground and water are frozen solid and there is enough snow to work with. No one should start to ride until after our groomers roll."
With mild temperatures extending well into December, the overall freeze is late, so ice on all waterways and swamps should be highly suspect and assumed to be unsafe. Meanwhile, incomplete ground freezing to date in many regions means there is a minimal protective cushion of base under any fresh snow, so the chances of hitting rocks, stumps or other obstacles are very high. Given that more than 66% of snowmobiling fatalities occur off-trail, the OFSC points out that riding on roads, lakes and other terrain during this time of uncertain conditions is always a bad choice, as these areas pose higher risks for riders at the best of times.
"Early in each season, over eager snowmobilers take unnecessary risks and pay with their lives when simply waiting another week or two would have made a huge difference in the stability of conditions." concluded Farr. "Even one death is too many, and this time of year is especially tricky to predict because Mother Nature doesn't freeze everything simultaneously, so one area may be adequate, but the next totally unsafe."
Snowmobilers are reminded to take the Safe Rider pledge this winter to show support for snowmobile safety and responsible riding, including slowing down at night and never riding alone. By making smart choices, snowmobilers can significantly reduce the risk of injury or death while enjoying this off-road activity where the rule is to expect the unexpected.
The Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs is dedicated to providing strong leadership and support to member clubs to establish and maintain quality snowmobile trails which are used in a safe and environmentally responsible manner to further the enjoyment of organized snowmobiling. The OFSC is also committed to promoting safe, responsible riding on Ontario snowmobile trails by continuously improving safety standards, programs and enforcement through proactive leadership, stakeholder partnerships, public education and driver training.
Ron Purchase, General Manager
(705) 739-7669