Safety Week Promotes Responsible Snowmobiling
Barrie, ON.; January 10, 2002: After four snowmobile-related fatalities thus far this winter, safety remains a high priority for the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC), especially from January 13 to 19, designated as International Snowmobile Safety Week. The purpose of International Snowmobile Safety Week is to expose people to safe snowmobiling practices and to demonstrate how operating a snowmobile safely can prevent mishaps.
“During this special week, our ongoing SledSmart Public Education Campaign is blanketing the province with safety messages, and our SledSmart Team will be visiting schools and communities with a hands-on presentation,” said OFSC Safety Coordinator Cyndi Hodgson. “While four fatalities are too many, none have occurred on OFSC trails, most of which remain closed due to poor conditions.”
By this time last year, there had been 13 snowmobile-related fatalities in Ontario, so the OFSC has ramped up its safety initiatives for 2002 by introducing the Safe Rider campaign. Safe Rider focuses on encouraging responsible snowmobilers to stand up and be counted by taking the Safe Rider pledge and signifying this commitment by affixing a decal to their sled or helmet.
“Disseminating the safety information is a job the OFSC has done very well since our safety programs developed in 1993,” commented Hodgson. “Now we are issuing a call to action for OFSC snowmobilers to make the smart choice to adopt safe riding practices as part of their normal snowmobiling behaviour.”
To drive this message home, the OFSC has partnered with the Smart Risk Foundation to produce several hard-hitting radio and television PSA’s. The messages, which begin airing this week, are targeted to high risk males 18 to 35, the age group responsible for the highest number of incidents, including all of the snowmobile-related fatalities to date this winter.
The OFSC also continues to promotes its long-standing commitment to zero tolerance for alcohol. OFSC President Dennis Burns recently issued a challenge to vintners, brewers, distillers and those who sell liquor to join forces with the OFSC to help reduce the number of injuries and fatalities involving the consumption of alcohol. The liquor industry is not currently participating in any snowmobile safety initiatives, although their products are clearly part of the problem.
The OFSC is 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. The latest trail conditions reports can be found at www.ofsc.on.ca
Ron Purchase, General Manager or
Cyndi Hodgson, Safety Coordinator
(705) 739-7669