Snowmobilers taking their machines onto unsafe ice has accounted for half of all snowmobile deaths this season, according to provincial police.
In total, there have been six snowmobile deaths in Ontario this winter. Of those, two happened when machines went through the ice on Jack Lake, south of the village of Apsley late on Christmas evening, while another snowmobiler was killed when a sled drove into open water. The other three snowmobile deaths were attributed to speeding, driving too fast for conditions, or the use of alcohol or drugs.
"OPP are dismayed by the recurring causal factors in snowmobiler deaths," the provincial force stated in a news release issued Monday.
With snowmobile safety week underway until January 27, police plan to take to the skies to keep a better eye out for dangerous snowmobile operation. Using Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), officers can conduct speed enforcement and search and rescue missions.
"The use of OPP aviation and UAS support demonstrates our latest efforts to keep snowmobile communities safe," said Deputy Commissioner Brad Blair. "Despite our commitment to saving lives, our use of innovative technology and our valued partnership with the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs, it is not enough. We need all snowmobilers to understand that regardless of where they are riding, the only safe ride is a risk-free ride."
Last winter, 14 snowmobilers were killed across the province. Three died as a result of travelling on unsafe ice. Alcohol and drugs were cited as factors in six of the deaths while speed played a role in the remaining five deaths.
"Safety is a shared responsibility for every snowmobiler on Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs [OFSC] prescribed snowmobile trails," said Ryan Eickmeier, OFSC executive director. "Riders should remember that no ice is safe ice. Travel on staked trails, and check the interactive trail guide before you go."