Snowmobiling Fatalities - How to Avoid Being One of Them
November 27th, 2007Thirty to forty people will be die this year snowmobiling and more than 300 will be injured, according to Bill Harrison, manager of Safety and Public Education for the Ontario Federation of Snowmobiling Clubs. The good news, the fatality rate has not changed much in the last 20 years despite the increase in riders. Harrison estimates there are over 200,000 snowmobilers in Ontario alone, who collectively traveled more than 150 million kilometers last year.
“The deaths,” he says, “Are predicable and preventable, and are the result of riders making bad choices. ” When asked what the fatalities can be attributed to, Harrison responds, “Poor riding behavior. Drivers are going too fast, they lose control and then crash into trees, fences or other snowmobiles.”
Alcohol is also factor. Harrison states, “Thirty percent of snowmobiling fatalities are alcohol related. Riding on ice is yet another. People go through the ice and drown, or they hit a pressure crack or a tree stump.” He recommends that people who ride on ice need to be prepared mentally and physically to go through the ice.
“Wear a flotation suit and carry an ice pick. People need to keep their composure if they fall through the ice. Riders will experience a gasp reflex where the air is literally knocked out of them. They will also experience mini paralysis. Riders need to mentally understand this and wait. They will regain their breath and mobility. After that, they have about two minutes to pull themselves up onto the ice before they lose control of their limbs or their hands freeze to the ice. You don’t want to die going through the ice. Check the conditions ahead of time and be prepared.”
Harrison also suggestions snowmobilers use extra caution when riding at night. Night riding is five times more risky than riding during the day, largely due to reduced visibility.
If you’re going to be out snowmobiling this winter, ride on a groomed, clearly marked trail. “On the trail is a totally different environment than off trail, where there is a greater element of risk,” Harrison explains. Ontario boasts over 41,000 kilometers of groomed trail, making it the largest trail system in the world.
If you are interested in getting out and trying snowmobiling this winter, there are snowmobiling clubs across Canada, who offer driver training courses and special events.
“If done properly,” Harrison explains, “Snowmobiling is very safe, fabulous enjoyment with many benefits. It’s just as Canadian as hockey.”
Cheers,
Julie
Email This Post
November 27th, 2007 at 8:41 pm
In Saskatchewan, it is manditory for all snowmobile drivers, on public land ,born after 1989 to take a snowmobile saftey course. They’re offered through the Saskatchewan Snowmobile Safety Association and are held all over the province at various times. We’ve had 2 hellions attend the course and they got a lot out of it. Jules, even with marked trails, its easy to get turned around and get lost. We did last winter, and nearly ran out of gas before we found our way. Carrying a little can of gas isn’t a bad plan or even gps. Most of the guys that have died around here are the result of avalanches. Everyone wants to leave the high mark on the side of a mountain. You could write articles and articles on that alone. An article on trail etiquette wouldn’t be a bad thing either.
November 28th, 2007 at 1:34 pm
Running Car’s advice is great. Our neighbour up in the Haliburton Highlands has been snowmobiling since a child, but he still managed to get lost a couple of years ago, on an outing with his wife. They took a wrong turn and because it was snowing heavily were unable to retrace their tracks. They eventually found their way back onto the trail after a couple of hours but it was a close call. He now carries a GPS at all times.
A note from my brother in law who is president of the Highland Rovers snowmobile club, north of Huntsville. “Do not attempt the trails until they are open - many of them are across swamp that is only lightly ice covered at the moment. And, more importantly, the lakes are not frozen, even if it looks as though they are. Attempting to go on a lake can only result in tragedy - for both the snowmobile and the owner”.
November 28th, 2007 at 6:29 pm
Thank you both for your great comments. I am remiss in not mentioning avalanches and will do a little more digging (no pun intended) and provide an update.
Cheers,
Julie