Please do something about this. Okay?

OPP NEWS RELEASE

************************* Snowmobile fatalities continue to rise in Ontario

ORILLIA, ON - The Ontario Provincial Police is concerned with the increase in fatal snowmobile incidents so far this season.

The number of related deaths investigated by the OPP has risen to 17 from the high of 13 last year to this point in the season.

The repeated causes of these tragic deaths have been constant and predictable.

Either alcohol or excessive speed has played a direct role in nearly every fatal crash investigated by police.

"The result means that 17 people have died since December that had some measure of control over the circumstances that led to their senseless deaths," said Larry Beechey, OPP deputy commissioner for traffic safety.

“Our communities need to act with us,” stated Chief Superintendent Bill Grodzinski, divisional commander for the OPP Highway Safety Division (HSD).

“The vast majority of recreational snowmobilers are law abiding people. We all have a role to play to ensure the safety of everyone who enjoys this winter activity. Most of these crashes occurred when the operator was with someone else. That means someone else condoned the risky behaviour or the use of alcohol while on the trails,” said Grodzinski.

Sergeant Michael Price, off-road safety coordinator for HSD states: “Do your part to keep everyone safe on the trails. Call your local police and report the operators that continue to make poor decisions while riding."

Snowmobilers are also asked to stay away from lakes and rivers.

Mild temperatures and occasional heavy snowfalls have left many bodies of water snow covered but still unsafe for snowmobile travel.

OPP SAVE Teams (Snowmobile, All terrain and Vessel Enforcement) and detachment snowmobile patrol officers strongly urge snowmobilers to enjoy their sport by sticking to maintained trails and riding responsibly.

Drinking and riding is a criminal offence.

Being convicted will result in the suspension of your driver’s licence and worse, potentially can lead to serious injury or death.

Recent snowmobile deaths are a tragic reminder of that.

*************************