NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE
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Snowmobile patrol officers from the Southern Georgian Bay detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were out on patrol on area Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) trails and open spaces during the February 24-28, 2021 period checking riders for impairment, equipment, speed and trail passes/licencing.
Officers logged 405 kilometres on their snowmobiles during their 43 hours of patrol time checking 105 riders and their machines at seven separate trail side locations including the Penetanguishene Rotary Champlain Wendat Park and numerous locations along the OFSC "C", "303", "305" trails.
Officers had a chance to speak with numerous operators and issued 12 offence notices upon operators under the Motorized Snow Vehicle Act including two improper muffler charges and two no insurance violations. Their patrol included the OFSC trails within the Townships of Tay, Tiny, the Towns of Penetanguishene and Midland, trails near both Midland Secondary Schools and ice trails along the Georgian Bay Township shoreline including Beausoleil Island and channels around the Honey Harbour area.
Trail Crash Investigation
OPP officers were dispatched at 3:24 p.m. Feb. 27, 2021 to a report of a single snowmobile with two male occupants that had struck an ice covered rock between Go Home Bay and Cognashene Lake.
Responding officers along with members of Georgian Bay Township Fire Service, County of Simcoe Paramedic Services and nearby private scoot operators were able to attend the scene and triage the rear passenger who had been ejected from the machine at speed.
The injured passenger was transported to Georgian Bay General Hospital where he was treated and released, the driver sustained only minor injuries and was treated at the scene by paramedics and released. OPP Snowmobile Patrol officers stress that all riders must operate their snowmobiles within their abilities, adapt to changing trail conditions and adhering to all of the "rules of the road" so as to ensure a higher level of trail safety for all users.
Snowmobile operators are advised to check on trail conditions prior to heading out on the following internet web sites Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs, Mid Ontario Snowmobile Clubs.
If you have to travel out onto an ice surface always remember that "No Ice Is Safe Ice" and with spring fast approaching ice conditions can change quickly! What was iced over last weekend may very well be open water this weekend. Y
ou need to be aware of current, past weather (storms) conditions and of any recent commercial ice breaking activity along with checking with area residents/riders who have "local knowledge of ice conditions". The following web sites are a must see for those who travel on ice surfaces- Cold Water Boot Camp along with https://twitter.com/OPP_News/status/1342817627077488641 or https://www.ofah.org/
Simple rule is - If you don't know- Don't go! Is it really worth the Risk to yourself and Emergency Services?
All riders are reminded that unlawfully removing trail signs can create some very dangerous situations, if you have knowledge of anyone removing OFSC trail signs please contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). You can submit your information online at www.p3tips.com. Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to call display and you will remain anonymous. Being anonymous, you will not testify in court and your information may lead to a cash reward of up to $2,000.00. You can follow Crime Stoppers of Simcoe Dufferin Muskoka www.crimestopperssdm.com on Twitter or Facebook.
Police remind snowmobilers that an essential part of the enforcement job is to save lives and reduce injuries on our trails, through community partnerships we educate the public about safe driving practices - #Never Drive Impaired - https://youtu.be/gSX_LGoNiHw and enfrancais https://youtu.be/0x8yi_98u8s
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