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McGuinty Government Offers A Few Tips For Riders
TORONTO, Jan. 14 /CNW/ -
NEWS
Provincial Snowmobile Safety Week (http://www.ofsc.on.ca/home.asp) -
January 11 to 17 - is a great opportunity for Ontarians to check their riding
skills and brush up on safe sledding know-how.
Every winter about 30 people are killed and another 350 are injured while
snowmobiling in Ontario. According to the Canadian Institute for Health
Information (http://secure.cihi.ca/cihiweb/splash.html), snowmobiling is the
number one cause of winter sports and recreation-related severe injuries.
These important tips will help make your ride safe:
<<
- Do not drink and ride: alcohol affects judgment and increases your
risk of fatigue and hypothermia
- Check local ice conditions before heading out - they can change
rapidly
- Avoid travelling on unmarked frozen lakes and rivers - and always wear
a buoyant snowmobile suit and carry ice picks to improve your chances
of survival if you break through the ice
- Respect the speed limits posted on trails and roadways - the speed
limit on trails is generally 50 kilometres per hour unless otherwise
indicated
- Never ride alone - tell someone when and where you are going and what
route you will take.
>>
For more safe riding tips and information, visit Ontario's Safe
Snowmobiling (http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/safety/topics/snowmobile.shtml)
web page.
QUOTES
"Most snowmobile-related deaths occur at night, off the trail system.
Alcohol, high speed and thin ice are often factors, so please ride
responsibly. It could save your life," said Transportation Minister Jim
Bradley (http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/about/minister.shtml).
"Snowmobiling is one of the many activities which allow us to enjoy the
outdoors during the colder months," said Minister of Health Promotion
Margarett Best (http://www.mhp.gov.on.ca/english/about/minister.asp). "I urge
all Ontarians snowmobiling this winter to keep safe while enjoying the
benefits of being active in Ontario's great outdoors."
QUICK FACTS
<<
- Ontario's snowmobile trail system is the largest in the world with
more than 43,000 kilometres of trails.
- The province and the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs
(http://www.ofsc.on.ca/) work together to encourage snowmobilers to
ride with a Snowmobile Trail Permit on OFSC-prescribed trails
(http://www.gorideontario.com/snow/snow_trailinfo.html), which are
maintained and marked for improved safety.
>>
LEARN MORE
Find out more about snowmobiling in Ontario
(http://www.ofsc.on.ca/index.asp) such as where and when to hit the trails and
which permits and licences
(http://www.gorideontario.com/snow/snow_trailpermits.html) you need to drive a
snowmobile in Ontario.
Consider taking a snowmobile driver training course
(http://www.ofsc.on.ca/Safety/DTraining.asp).
<<
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For further information: Nicole Lippa-Gasparro, Minister's Office, (416) 327-1815; Bob Nichols, Communications Branch, (416) 327-1158
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