With heavy snowfall and colder weather, snowmobilers are back on Ontario’s trails after several years of challenging conditions.
From February 9 to February 16, those riders will notice more police presence on the trails for Motorized Snowmobile Week.
This week-long education and enforcement effort is a collaboration between the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) and the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP). Motorized Snowmobile Week aims to address unsafe riding habits that could result in death, injury, or damage to property.
Police have identified these dangerous behaviors as excessive speed, loss of control, riding under the influence of alcohol, and distracted riding.
To ensure a safe ride, police suggest:
• Wearing a helmet and other safety gear
• Avoiding riding while impaired by alcohol or drugs
• Sticking to approved trails
• Checking trail conditions on the OFSC website
• Looking up the weather forecast
• Informing someone about your riding plans
“Taking a few extra steps helps ensure everyone gets home safely and can keep enjoying everything Ontario’s winter has to offer,” reminds Inspector Mike Mc Connell, OPP West Region Traffic and Marine Manager.
No incidents have happened in Chatham-Kent so far, but there have already been three fatal snowmobile accidents in 2026.
Diving into last year’s riding season, five riders lost their lives in motorized snow vehicle collisions during 2024-2025.
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