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The Citizen, 2003-12-17, Page 9Safe road crossings By Craig Nicholson (©2003 by Craig Nicholson. All rights reserved.) Last winter, two snowmobilers were killed in separate incidents where a trail crossed the same remote logging road. After picturing those messes in my mind, my next thought was how anyone could miss seeing an oncoming logging truck? Then I got to reviewing my own road crossing habits and decided I wasn’t being sharp enough either. Snowmobiles and roads don’t mix. especially when the asphalt is bare. Snowmobiles simply don’t steer, brake, accelerate or turn well on pavement, gravel or dirt. However, when you've been riding for several hours on a packed trail, where sleds do handle well, it’s an easy mistake not to adjust to a sudden road surface quickly enough. Anyone who has had the handle bars cranked all the way over in the desired direction, only to have that stubborn sled insist on travelling the wrong way. understands this frustration and fear. Anyone who has had to dismount in the middle of a roadway to tug the rear around so it’s pointed properly can share this concern. Common sense says to stop before all roads (and railway) crossings, look both ways, then proceed when the way is clear. Unfortunately, all snowmobilers don’t stop at every crossing. It’s much easier to coast up, take a quick look without stopping, then accelerate across. Most of the time, they make it. Each time they do reinforces this behaviour, until riders start to be choosy about which roads they’ll even slow down for and how much. Where do you think a remote logging road fits in this inventory of choices? As frequent leader, J used to stop, look and go, waving those behind me on as I crossed. Several riders down the line, no one was even bothering to look for themselves anymore. Suddenly, I realized what a responsibility 1 was assuming by waving anyone on. So I stopped doing so. Now my advice is for each rider to come to a full stop, look both ways and proceed when clear, regardless of what the rider ahead has done. I emphasize that each rider is responsible for their own road crossing safety, and not to assume that just because the rider in front goes, that you should too. I don’t G&M Auto Parts J ■ Auto Parbs Plus 1 " We stock a full line of snowmobile parts & accessories See us for your snowmobiling needs! "Quality Parts plus Personal Service" Turnberry St., Brussels 887-8002 fax 887-8004 want to have to tell a friend’s loved ones about a tragedy resulting from any wave of mine. So now I come to a full stop before each road, creeping ahead and rising if necessary so 1 can see properly. The first thing 1 do is check the other side to see if there are any oncoming sleds in sight or already waiting to cross. At the same time, I determine exactly where the trail entrance is on the other side, because if it’s to the right or left, that means I’ll need to reangle my sled to point in the right direction before 1 enter the roadway. Many folks make the mistake of simply turning the handle bars in the direction they want to go, but all you’ll end up doing is raking your carbides sideways across the road without turning much. Aside from being hard on the runners, you also may end up stuck in front of a snow bank, instead of at the trail entrance — and that’s scary when your sled is still on the road and a car suddenly appears! Once assured that the angle of approach is right, I look left into the first lane(s) I will cross, and if it’s clear, then right into the far lane(s). Before starting, I look left again, then check right as 1 cross the left lane. At the other side, I travel a ways down the trail to leave room for those crossing behind and to warn oncoming riders that there are sleds crossing. So far. I’ve made it across each time, but admit to several close calls, especially when the oncoming vehicle is an older one, with no day­ time running lights. My brain is looking for car lights and a dirty car without them really disappears into the pavement. So far, I’ve seen every logging truck... Until the next time, remember that snowmobiling is an off-road activity, so you ride OFSC trails at your own risk. For the Tour Planner and Trail Condition Reports check out www.ofsc.on.ca and look under trails. Craig Nicholson is a regular contributor to Snow Goer Canada's Snowmobiling Magazine. The Intrepid Snowmobiler also appears on radio and on Snowmobiler Television. The opinions expressed are solely those of the author. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2003. PAGE 9. Court news Man fined $1^200 for refusing to provide sample In Wingham’s provincial court. Dec. II. an Owen Sound man pled guilty to refusing to provide a breath sample. Attorney for the Crown Rod Guthrie said that on April 22, police came upon a vehicle parked in a field. There was a beer box behind the vehicle and bottles around it. Two men were inside and Peter Stewart was behind the wheel asleep. Guthrie said that Stewart indicated to the officers that the vehicle was inoperable because of a transmission problem. The attorney said all three times Stewart was asked to provide a breath sample he was “unco­ operative” and refused. The accused has a drunk driving conviction from 1987-88. Man’s condition critical but stable Huron OPP responded to a two- vehicle crash that occurred on Amberley Road in Grey part of Huron East, Dec. 13 at 3:45 p.m. A 79-year-old man from the Wroxeter area was travelling between Adams Line and Johnston Line on Amberley Road when he attempted to make a u-turn on the county road. The driver of the 1996 Chev Lumina failed to see a westbound tractor trailer unit, made the turn into the vehicle’s path and was struck broadside on the driver’s side. The driver of the tractor-trailer unit attempted to avoid the crash but was too close to make the necessary maneuvers. Harold Lawrence was taken to'Wingham Hospital by ambulance. His condition deteriorated enroute. He was taken by air ambulance to London’s Victoria South Street Campus in London. He is listed in critical but stable condition. The investigation continues. Check out The Citizen's WEBSITE at www.northhuron.on.ca Judge R.G.E. Hunter fined him $1,200. He was given six months to pay. Guilty pleas A London man will be sentenced in January after pleading guilty to several charges. George Donald Shaw pled guilty to mischief under $5,000, two counts of break and enter and two counts of break, enter and theft. Facts will be presented at the Jan. 15 court. Drunk driving Sandra Burt-Pintar of RR1, St. Agatha pled guilty to driving with over 80 mg of alochol in 100 ml of blood. Guthrie said police observed Burt- Pintar driving erratically on July 27 in North Huron. The lowest of two readings was And to all our good friends Come in and put your name in a Christmas draw to win a DVD Player! G&M A ■ Auto Parts Plus Auto Parts Turnberry St., Brussels 887-8002 190 mg of alcohol in 1(X) ml of blood. The accused’s counsel said his client had been a teacher since 1974 He noted that a series of personal tragedies had resulted in Burt-Pintar suffering from anxjety and depression at the time of the incident. Since then, he said, she has been seeing a psychologist, from whom a report was filed with the judge. “She does take this very, very seriously,” said counsel. In addition to being off the road tor a period of 12 months, Burt- Pintar was fined $750. Marijuana possession Matthew Hill of Goderich pled guilty to a charge of marijuana possession from Oct. 21. Guthrie said that accused was in the principal’s office at his school and was asked if he had any narcotics. He turned over about 15 grams. Hill was on probation at the time. He was fined $250 and given 90 days to pay the fine. sending opt this team to* say, "Have a happy ' ho...ho...h61iday!" , ‘ far arid near, . T ".Thanks fpr pulling for us ' this year!" • <