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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1995-01-18, Page 10Family fun The sport of snowmobiling can mean some wonderful winter entertainment, but experts suggest that inexperienced and immature drivers should always be accompanied by an adult. Rules for riding the trails The Motorized Snow Vehicle Act lists several rules, regulations and definitions concerning the operation of motorized snow vehicles. While young drivers 12-15 are not permitted to travel on, along or across a public road, even with a motorized snow vehicle (MSV) operator's permit, there are also a number of laws regarding driving on the trails, which apply to the more experienced driver as well. Speed limits When driving a snow machine the speed limit is 20 km/hr when it is posted as 50 km/1r for cars. If the speed limit is over 50 km/hr for cars, snowmo- bilers should not exceed 50 km/hr. For example in the Village of Blyth the speed limit for snowmobil- ers is 20 lcrp/hr. On the trails or along Hwy 4 out of town it is 50 km/hr. The fine for speeding is $90, plus a $15 surcharge for a total of $105. Helmets Snowmobilers must wear a CSA approved helmet while on or operating an MSV. The chinstrap must be fastened securely. The only exception for this is when operating on your own property. The fine for this is $105. Crossine roadway No person shall drive an MSV across a serviced roadway except at an angle of approximately 90 degrees to the direction of the serviced roadway. If caught breaking this rule, you could be fined $105. Insurance You must have valid insurance to drive on a high- way, trails, etc. and be able to show proof of insur- ance upon request by police, with the exception of driving on your own property. This regulation car- ries a fine of $135. Reportine accidents If you are involved in an accident while on an MSV and there are personal injuries or more than $400 damage is done, then you must report it to the police, no matter where it happens. To not do so car- ries a fine total of $105. Stopping for vehicles with red lights You must stop your snowmobile when you encounter a vehicle with red lights or are directed to do so by a police officer or conservation officer. To not do so will mean a court appearance. Towing objects with snow vehicles You must have a rigid tow bar connecting the snowmobile to the device being towed. No person shall drive a snowmobile on a roadway when towing a person or conveyance except for unditching or in an emergency. Registration numbers required You must have your registration number clearly visible on both sides of the front cowling of the MSV and the annual validation tag must be placed in the upper right hand corner. Ages to drive motorized snow vehicle Under 12 years are prohibited from driving unless on their own property. Twelve to 16 with an MSV operator's license only on trails (not on, along or across public roadways) or on their own property. Sixteen and older, with a valid driver's license or an MSV operator's license. Once you get a valid driver's license your MSV operator's license shall expire. To possess both at the same time would be a total fine of $105. Open Honor You cannot have open liquor while operating an MSV. If you do, you could be subject to a charge under the Liquor License Act and a fine of $210. impaired driving An MSV is considered a motor vehicle under the Criminal Code and if caught driving while impaired on a snowmachine the penalties are the same for driving a car: first offense, minimum $300 fine and lose license for one year; second offense, 14 days in jail and two year license suspension. It doesn't matter where you are driving your snowmobile. If you are drunk you can be charged whether on a highway, road, trail, private property, lakes anywhere. Even your own driveway. *** There are many other offenses concerning the operation of motorized snow vehicles which are similar to operating cars. They include such things as improper turns, failing to yield, disobeying signs, failing to have proper lights. With so much area to cover police officers are not regular figures on the trail though they dc make ran- dom patrols throughout the season. It's better, safer and less expensive, however, not. to play the odds and follow the rules instead. PAGE 10. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18, 1995. Safe snowmobiling Young drivers must learn through experience By Bonnie Gropp There's no doubt about it; it's a great way to spend the winter. But, unless the rules are understood and followed, the sport of snowmobiling can become a dangerous one, especially to young drivers just starting out. The feeling of independence, the rush of soaring across the snow, can be a hazardous combination when mixed with immaturity and inexperience. Thanks to the efforts of the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs, trails are much safer than in the past, and young people are being educated on how to travel them safely. However, while youths are receiving instruction from qualified, licensed teachers, the parents, who are not part of the classroom education, may not completely understand what rules and regulations apply to drivers 15 years and under nor the implication of breaking the rules. Though driver education for 12- 15 year olds is law it is a service provided by OFSC and its affiliates through direction by the Ministry of Transportation. The six-hour course concludes with an exam after which the youths are awarded a motorized snow vehicle operator's license, permitting them to drive on the trails without a driver's license. The course, which costs $20.50, a fee set by the Ministry, which essentially covers the costs, provides no practical experience, but rather teaches young snowmobilers to respect the machine and be familiar with its hazards so they can handle it safely. "That's the main concern," said Bruce Howson, a member of the Blyth Sno- Travellers and a driver education instructor. Mark Gropp, of Brussels, an instructor with the B&W Trailblazers says, "For this reason we also encourage the kids to ask their parents for practical instruction, even though this shouldn't have to be spelled out. It's just common sense." While the thrill of speed may attract them, Mr. Gropp said that too much power in the hands of inexperienced drivers is dangerous. "They should begin with a lightweight machine that has minimum horsepower, is user-friendly and reliable." "A young driver should not have a machine over 400 cc," said Mr. Howson. The youths are also told that until they reach the age of 16 it is against the law for them to drive a snowmobile on, along or across a highway. According to the Motorized Snow Vehicle Act this includes "a public highway, street, avenue, parkway, driveway, square, place, bridge, viaduct or trestle designed and intended for, or used by, the general public for the passage of vehicles." Const. Lincoln Dinning of the Wingham OPP said that this means drivers under the age of 16, even those with an MSV operator's license, can not drive their machine across the road from one trail to another. "Legally, they are not allowed. Do they? Yes." Mr. Howson admits this has been a problem, adding that he has suggested to the OFSC that a notice be printed on the bottom of the MSV operator's license explaining this regulation. "We need to get the message to the parents that it's against the law and it's dangerous." For officers like Const. Dinning the biggest problem is trying to enforce that rule. Formerly from the northern part of the province, Const. Dinning says that young snowmobilers there can often travel miles on the trails and never have to worry about crossing a road. This is not the case in the more densely populated areas like Huron, but, Const. Dinning says, "unless we actually see them drive across or they are involved in an accident it is difficult to catch them." However as getting caught can mean a fine of $105 if they're lucky or injury or death in the worst case scenario, he advises that the smart thing to do is to get off and walk the machine across the road or_have an adult drive it for them. Mr. Gropp agrees. "Snowmobiles aren't babysitters. Kids for the first few years should definitely be chaperoned when snowmobiling and even when they're 15 if they are not responsible." He adds that when young drivers are guided by their parents on the trails they will be better drivers later. "This is the time to mold the attitudes to teach them to be responsible. If they aren't shown when they're 12 that they must follow the rules, they sure won't do it at 17 or 18." • As a youth can not obtain an MSV operator's license until they are 12 any child younger "has no business driving a machine," Const. Dinning says, though they can not be stopped from doing so on private property. If, however, an unlicensed driver is found on the trails or public property they face a fine of $105. Once a youth has reached the age of 16 but still does not have a valid driver's license he must have an MSV operator's license, to ride on the trails. At this time, he can also legally travel on or across the roads. Smooth ride Regular grooming of OFSC trails keeps them ready for riding. Snowmobilers must have a trail permit to travel on OFSC trails. Trail permits a must for riding on OFSC trails The local snowmobile trail system has been lauded as one of the best in the province. Last year, Don Lumley, president of the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) said after a day of snowmo- biling that "this area may be the best kept snowmobiling secret in Ontario." The well-groomed, well-maintained and well marked trails don't come without some work and sacrifice. Volunteer members of local clubs are out early marking and signing, then regularly grooming them after the snow falls to ensure the best possible and safest snowmobil- ing fun. In order to ride the OFSC trails, snowmobilers must purchase a trail permit. While there is no fine for not having one, nor will it involve you with the police, club volunteers serving as trail wardens patrol to catch offenders. If caught on OFSC trails without a trail permit, the warden will ask you to purchase one. Refusal means that you must leave the trail immediately. While an OFSC trail permit allows you to travel on any OFSC trail, there are also landowner's permits, issued to those on whose property a trail crosses. These permits are limited to the trails maintained by the club using the landowner's property.