First snow means first tracks, OPP offer snowmobile safety tips
Posted Dec 11, 2016 06:25:34 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
With winter weather comes the possibility of blizzards and white-out conditions. Not only do these conditions affect drivers on the road, they also affect snowmobilers out on the trails.
OPP Sergeant Peter Leon says the biggest piece of advice is to be prepared.
“First and foremost, you need to be prepared. Not only make sure that you’re prepared to go, but your sled is also prepared. If it’s been sitting for awhile, and that could be as long as the last time you used it during the last season, you need to make sure that it is mechanically fit, and is going to provide you with reliable service,” says Sgt. Leon.
“Obviously when people get out there, if you break down, it could be a long way to get help.”
He adds, “that being said, you need to let people know where you’re going to go. You need to stick to that plan, and carry a fully charged cellphone with you, so if you do break down, you can call for assistance, or at least call and get some help coming your way to assist you where you may be broken down.”
Other tips include making sure snowmobile trails have been approved by groomers, so any fallen trees or debris can be removed.
