January is Snowmobile Safety Month
The Sault Ste. Marie Police Service recognizes January as Snowmobile Safety & Education Month.
“Snowmobiling has proven to be one of the more dangerous winter sports,” says Traffic Sergeant Joe Poderys, “but snowmobile education and safety precautions can help you to enjoy the trails legally and with a lesser risk of injury or death.”
The snow was late to arrive in Sault Ste. Marie and Prince Township, and Sault Police urge anyone operating snowmobiles to use caution. The mild weather means rivers, streams and lakes may not have sufficient ice on which to operate snowmobiles safely. Traditional trails used by outdoor enthusiasts may not be in the condition operators would normally see at this time of year.
Throughout the month, Sault Police will be posting informational content relating to snowmobiling legislation and safety recommendations on their social media platforms.
Legal considerations for riders include age, where snowmobiles can be operated on roadways, wearing a helmet, speed limits, impaired driving, and having a valid driver’s licence or motorized snow vehicle operator’s licence (MSVOL), insurance, and snowmobile registration permit.
Safety considerations include preparedness, regular inspections, weather, gear, impaired driving, speed, hand signals, and taking a snowmobile safety course.
To learn more, follow @SaultPolice on social media throughout January, read the snowmobile by-law here, or visit http://www.ontario.ca/page/snowmobile-safety.
