Snowmobile riders warned of safety risks after crash kills man in Huron County

The death of a rider on a snowmobile trail in southwestern Ontario is prompting calls from police and sports groups to mind the rules and take safety seriously as the snowmobiling season gets underway.

Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are investigating a crash in Huron County that killed the machine's operator on Wednesday afternoon in a farmer's field west of Brucefield. 

The 58-year-old man from Bluewater was ejected from his snowmobile when he hit uneven ground, said Huron County OPP Const. Craig Solden. He was taken to hospital, where he later died. 

"You could see the tracks in the snow from the roadway and the field was fairly flat leading up to the location where the individual came off the snowmobile," Solden said, noting police don't yet know how fast he was travelling. 

Reduce the risks

As snowfall continues in the area, OPP and local snowmobile groups are reminding drivers to ride safely this winter.

"Snowmobiling is an off-road recreational activity that occurs in an unpredictable environment," said Karen Buratynski, who manages the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) District 9, which includes Huron County. 

"Riding a snowmobile, having a fantastic time and returning home safely is all about making smart choices," Buratynski said. 

One of those smart choices is to ride along the OFSC's maintained snowmobile trails, she said. 

"The safest place to ride in Ontario is on a marked trail between the stakes."

The OFSC sends out volunteers to maintain their trails using large pieces of equipment called "groomers," which create a safe trail base by pulling in snow and packing down water, she said.

The group has an online interactive trail guide, indicating which trails are available. Buratynski said most of the trails are currently unavailable as they are in the grooming stage following recent snowfall. 

Soldan said people in Huron County can also ride along the side of the road, either along the shoulder or in ditches. They can also ride on their own private property or on another person's property with explicit permission.

The driver in Wednesday's crash was riding on private property, but it is unclear whether he had permission, Soldan said. 

Speed is also a factor in safety, experts say. Riders are allowed to drive at 50 km/h on Ontario trails, but Buratynski said people should consider their individual circumstances.

"That really is an upper limit and each snowmobiler should be choosing their own personal speed depending on a number of factors," she said, listing experience, trail conditions and weather as possible factors. 

Soldan added it is important for snowmobile riders to ensure that they have a permit and insurance, are wearing a helmet, and are driving sober. He said OPP were out patrolling in the northern part of Huron County on Wednesday to make sure people are not driving impaired.

Police are asking anyone with information on Wednesday's collision to contact Huron County OPP at 1-888-310-1122