(Photo: The Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs Facebook)
Officers of the Bancroft Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), wish to remind all the snowmobilers that will be enjoying the trails in the Bancroft Detachment area to ride safe and sober this season.
Bancroft OPP Officers, alongside the OPP’s Snow Vehicle, All Terrain Vehicle and Vessel Enforcement Unit (S.A.V.E.) will be patrolling the trails and roadways throughout the Detachment area. Some important safety tips to consider are as following:
Drivers and passengers must always wear approved snowmobile helmets that are firmly secured under the chin
Obey speed limits and road/trail signs and always drive within your own ability.
Reduce your speed when driving at night and watch out for fences, guide wires and other objects that are more difficult to spot out at night.
Whenever you see other drivers headed your way, slow down, pull to the right and slowly pass.
Wear reflective clothing so that you are more visible to others.
Avoid driving on frozen lakes and rivers. If it can’t be avoided, check ice conditions before you cross or enter onto the ice.
Wear a floater suit and carry ice picks and make sure they are accessible. Remember no ice is safe ice and conditions can change quickly with changing weather.
Never travel alone and tell someone of your outing including; your destination, the route, description of your snowmobile and your expected time of return. Consider leaving a detailed plan with friends or family members and if you are delayed, contact them to let them know of the change in plans.
Never drive impaired. Alcohol, illegal drugs, prescription medication, over the counter drugs, or a combination can dramatically slow your reaction time and affect your ability to operate and make good decisions. If convicted of impaired driving on a snowmobile, you will lose your driving privileges for all types of vehicles including motor vehicles, commercial vehicles and motorcycles.
A valid driver’s licence or motorized snow vehicle operator’s licence, the vehicle’s registration permit and proof of insurance are all required documents that the driver must provide upon demand.
If riding on an Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Club (OFSC) trail, a valid OFSC trail permit is required to be affixed to your snowmobile.
