OPP crack down on irresponsible snowmobilers

OPP NEWS RELEASE

************************* A Trail Safe 2010 enforcement weekend

OPP engaged in snowmobile trail safety

NORTHEASTERN, ON - Ontario Provincial Police continue to urge snowmobilers to ride with caution and use common sense with a Trail Safe 2010 enforcement weekend.

This Saturday and Sunday, January 30-31, Ontario Provincial Police North East Region detachment snowmobile patrols will be augmented with additional detachment officers, members of the OPP Snowmobile, All-Terrain Vehicle and Vessel Enforcement team (SAVE), special constables of the Snowmobile Trail Officer Patrol (STOP), Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) trail ambassadors, Ministry of Natural Resources conservation officers, as well as many municipal and First Nation police service members in an all out effort to improve trail safety and encourage safe sledding behaviour through education and strict enforcement.

The OPP is leading the safe trail initiative intended to improve snowmobile safety for sledders - all snow machine operators need to drive sober, heed safety warnings, ride with caution and stay within the speed limits - at all times.

“Snowmobiling can be an enjoyable, exhilarating outing but only if all riders take on the trail safe responsibility,” states Inspector Mark Andrews, unit commander - Highway Safety Division, North East Region. “I’m confident the majority of snowmobile enthusiasts want to take back the trails from the few who continue to ride with disregard for the safety of others.”

Put safety first by riding with care and control.

Check local conditions and ride the trails that are officially open.

Above all, avoid taking unnecessary risks.

(Participating detachment areas: Almaguin Highlands, North Bay/Mattawa/Powassan, West Parry Sound/Still River, Noellville, Sudbury/Espanola, Blind River/Elliot Lake/Thessalon, Sault Ste. Marie/White River/Hornepayne/Chapleau, Cochrane/Hearst/Smooth Rock Falls, South Porcupine/Matheson/Iroquois Falls, Kirkland Lake and Temiskaming/Temagami. Contact your local OPP detachment CSO for more information.)

To visit the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs website, click here.

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