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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1996-01-17, Page 12Snowmobile trails take you on a tour of some of the most picturesque spots in the area. ... and the thrills For many it's the adrenaline rush from the speed that makes snowmobiling their sport. PAGE 12. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17, 1996 Snowmobiling a rush of winter fun By Bonnie Gropp Gliding smoothly over a sparkling bleached landscape or through bushes of picturesque tranquility is only part of the thrill of snowmobiling. For many it is the fascination of person and power, sport and speed, adventure and adrenaline that captivates them. Unfortunately, as it is with any sport when not done responsibly, snowmobiling can result in injury or death. It was in response to this concern that the Ontario Snowmobile Safety Committee (OSSC) was established in 1991. The committee discovered that during the snowmobile seasons, 1988/89 and 1993/94, a total of 219 people were killed and 2,978 injured across Ontario. The number of fatalities is second only to boating among recreational activities. According to OSSC the victims of snowmobile mishaps range in age from two years to 79 years, with 80 per cent of these being males. Approximately 93 per cent of the fatalities recorded were males and three out of every five of these were between the ages of 15 and 34. Alcohol and speed, either separately or in combination, are the two most prominent contributors to snowmobile mishaps. They were involved in 74 per cent and 58 per cent respectively, of the aforementioned fatalities. Underage drinking is a significant factor, according to OSSC 53 per cent of victims, 16-18 years of age, had been drinking prior to the crash in which they were killed. About 37 per cent of snowmobile injuries involved excessive speed, compared to nine per cent for all types of motor vehicles combined. Catherine Brooks, OSSC results from the speed that is the biggest attraction to the sport. According to Jim Bauer, a snowmobile dealer from Brodhagen, a recent report claims that over 60 per cent of all snowmobile sales are in the 600 cc and up category. "Just looking at my business that is 100 per cent accurate. There ate a lot of people who want to go fast," Bauer says. The 600 cc machines have a capability of 105 mph, Bauer says. "But just because a snowmobile will go that fast, it doesn't mean (the drivers) do." Speaking personally, Bauer says he feels safer travelling on a snowmobile than in a car. "I feel I have better control. Today's snowmobiles are smoother riding and have greater stability." He says that the wider design and improved steering have made the snowmobiles easier to handle. Also improved suspension lets the machine "soak up the bumps". "They have come a long way over the past 10 years. Snowmobiles are just so much safer." The cost of the high-performance snowmobiles doesn't seem to be a deterrent either, claims Bauer. With today's snowmobile prices ranging from almost $4,000 to over $10,000, enthusiasts don't seem to mind paying for big toys, he adds However, with a maximum speed limit of 50 kilometres an hour, snowmobilers logically shouldn't have need for such power. OSSC recognizes this issue, Brooks says, and is trying to get the word out. "We have three manufacturers on the committee. We don't have the power to regulate what type of snowmobiles they produce, but we are sending a message to them." Bauer says that in the northern sections of the province radar guns are being used to catch speeding snowmobilers. "The problem with this is that right now the speed limit is ludicrous. Fifty miles an hour would be perfect and I think most would stick to it, but the way it is now, that just isn't going to happen," says Bauer. Brooks, too, admits that changes to the speed limits, noted in the Motorized Snow Vehicles Act, should be considered. "The sport has changed so much. Machines are built better, trails are safer, so it might be time to look at some changes (to the Act)." Another committee finding that is of interest is the low numbers for snowmobiling accidents in this area. OSSC found that more snowmobiling victims are from Metropolitan Toronto and the region of Sudbury than anywhere else in Ontario. One in every five injury victim and one in every three fatalities reside in these two areas. Also one-third of the injuries occurred in the Southern Ontario region, while one-quarter of the injuries occurred in each of the Central and Northern regions. The remainder happened in the Northwest region. Credit should also be given to the local clubs for the marking and maintaining of a well-groomed trail system that makes it possible for snowmobilers to get from place to place without travelling on the roadways. OSSC reports that on- highway incidents account for a high proportion of all early season injuries - 55 per cent of injuries in December or earlier occurred on Ontario roads. Brooks says the rate of injury on trails is lower than the rates at other riding locations in Ontario. Fatality rates on trails, per 100,000 active snowmobiles, she says, are about one-quarter that for all riding locations combined. In fact, from Jan. 1, 1988 to Dec. 31, 1992, OSSC found that only seven of 187 fatalities for which data was available occurred on trails. These were all as a result of operator error. *** chairperson, says the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs has worked with OSSC to improve safety on the trails. There is no question that today's wider, well- groomed trails are better marked to reduce hazard, she says, but unfortunately the bottom line is that safe driving is still in the hands of the driver. "There are speed limits, but what needs to be done is change driver behaviour," Brooks says. Volunteer snowmobile trail officers, who are empowered by the police, are at work, but of course they can't be everywhere, she adds. "It comes down to being responsible." However, for many snowmobile enthusiasts it is the "rush" that 11 TIPS FOR SAFE SNOWMOBILING Driver etiquette and snowmobile safety go hand in hand. The following guidelines can help you Steer Clear on the trails. 1. Know and obey trail signs. There are provincial and municipal regulations governing the licensing and use of snowmobiles. Obtain a list of trail signs, hand signals and their meanings from your local snowmobile club or the OFSC. Watch for other riders, use proper hand signals, obey trail signs and speed limits, and show respect for private property. 2. Use proper safety equipment. The law requires you to wear a DOT- approved helmet when operating a snowmobile. It should fit snugly and be securely fastened under your chin. If you use an older-model snowmobile, install an automatic "kill" switch - the key is attached to the rider's wrist with a lanyard such that should the rider fall off the sled, .the key would be pulled from the ignition which would "kill" the motor and stop the sled. 3. Plan your route and ride with a buddy. Make sure you know your trail in advance and leave.such information — along with your return time — with someone who can look for you if you go missing. Should you get into trouble, a buddy can make the difference between life and death. 4. Steer Clear of frozen lakes and rivers. Fifty-four per cent of vtowmobiling deaths occurred on lakes and rivers. If your trail crosses frozen waterways, check with local clubs or police as to ice conditions. If you regularly travel frozen waterways, it is highly recommended that you wear a buoyant snowmobile suit. 5. Avoid riding on roads and at night. Collisions on roads and highways were the leading cause of serious injury for Ontario snowmobilers (42 per cent), while less than three per cent of fatalities occurred on trails. Night riding limits your ability to avoid trouble before it's too late. Ride in daylight, stay on the trail at all times, and obey the rules of the road if you must ride on them. 6. Layer clothing for warmth and prevent hypothermia. Starting next to the skin, wear thermal underwear that "wicks" sweat away from your skin, keeping it dry and warm — polypropylene is good, but avoid cotton. Next, trap your body heat with wool or a synthetic insulator. Finally, keep the wind off with a tightly knit outer shell or wind breaker. Your hand- wear should follow the same layering strategy. Note: mittens will keep your fingers warmer than gloves as they allow your fingers to touch and share warmth and a balaclava (face mask) will protect your face against wind burn. 7. Make sure you properly maintain your snowmobile. Regular snowmobile maintenance and care contributes significantly to your enjoyment and safety. Learn how to maintain your snowmobile and identify problems before they occur, and adopt a regular preventative maintenance program. 8. Always carry a first aid kit. Expand your kit to include survival items as required for longer trips and learn first-aid, including rescue breathing — you could save a friend's life. 9. Respect private property. Straying off the trail may mean trespassing on private land. It also exposes riders to unnecessary hazards such as wire fences and unsafe ice, and potential litigation from landowners. 10. Take a defensive snowmobiling course or seminar. After boating, snowmobiling is the leading cause of recreational fatalities in Ontario. In addition to Molson's Steer Clear clinic program, associations such as the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) conduct numerous community safety clinics and other recreational opportunities for snowmobilers. 11. Don't drink and ride. Riding while impaired is a criminal offence that can cost you your driver's license. Alcohol impairs your balance, your reaction time and perception, and increases your risk of drowning and hypothermia. As with driving an automobile, snowmobiling requires alertness at all times, from every rider — and passenger. The STEER CLEAR program provides educational and promotional materials to snowmobiling clubs, associations and consumers across Canada reminding snowmobilcrs to familiarize themselves with snowmobiling regulations and safety precautions.