OPP headquarters issues warning about snowmobile deaths

On the heels of last week's snowmobile fatality on St. Joseph Island, the headquarters of Ontario Provincial Police has issued a request to snowmobile operators.

The following is a police statement issued from headquarters this afternoon:

******************************* Snowmobilers advised to slow down

ORILLIA, ON, Feb. 25 - Officers from the Ontario Provincial Police Field and Traffic Support Bureau are sending two clear messages to snowmobile operators this winter.

Slow down and drive according to the weather conditions.

The OPP have investigated 19 snowmobile fatalities so far this winter, and are urging snowmobile operators to slow their machines down.

The statistics are the same as this time last year, but do indicate that excessive speed has been a major contributing factor in many of this year's fatalities.

Officers are warning drivers that speed can kill, especially at night when the highest number of deaths are reported. Operators should reduce their speed when traveling on trails at night, snowmobile headlights illuminate only a short distance in front and speeding drivers end up out-driving their lights, leaving little time to react to hazards. Police are also reminding operators to adjust their driving habits during adverse weather conditions.

Poor weather conditions including drifting and blowing snow have proven to be hazardous in Ontario this winter for motorists and snowmobilers alike.

Operators should reduce their speed during times of poor visibility when on recreational trails, give yourself more time to avoid the hazards ahead. "Slow down and respect all weather conditions," says Inspector Jim Dixon of OPP Field and Traffic Support Bureau.

"Reducing your speed will increase your chances of avoiding obstacles on the trail and make snowmobiling safer for everyone."

******************************* To read SooToday.com's coverage of the St. Joseph Island fatality, please click here.