Alberta RCMP would like to remind snowmobilers to remain safe while enjoying their hobbies.
Every year, people are injured and killed while snowmobiling.
The major contributing factors in serious snowmobile incidents include excessive speed, not checking the thickness of ice on rivers and lakes, inexperience, inattention and operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
In the province, a snowmobile driver under the influence of alcohol or drugs can be charged with the same impaired driving offences as the driver of a car or truck on a highway.
Penalties may include fines, loss of driver’s licence, a criminal record and/or a jail sentence.
A conviction will affect the driver’s privileges to operate any type of motor vehicle, including off-highway vehicles and snowmobiles, on public roadways or public land.
From 1997 to 2006, there were 345 collisions involving 378 motorized snow vehicles. Sixty per cent of these collisions resulted in either death or injury.
These statistics do not include collisions that occurred on private property.
The operator of a snowmobile can be charged under the new provisions of Bill 26 concerning indefinite licence suspensions/immediate roadside sanctions and the associated vehicle seizures.
Alberta RCMP have some tips to avoid injury:
• Keep the snowmobile in good working order, and do a pre-ride inspection before every trip.
• Wear a proper-fitting, safety-certified snowmobile helmet and make sure to have it buckled up at all times. The chinstrap should be snug.
• Wear a wind-resistant and water-repellent snowmobile suit or a buoyant snowmobile suit if you travel over frozen water.
• Dress in layers to maintain proper body warmth and prevent hands and feet from freezing.
• Wear a turtleneck sweater or neck warmer instead of a scarf that can catch in moving parts.
• Wear reflective clothing when riding.
• Operate at safe and reasonable speeds, driving within your capability. Reckless riders can be charged under the Traffic Safety Act.
• Keep headlights and tail lights on at all times to be more visible.
• Use the buddy system and never ride alone. Inform someone of your route and how long you plan to be gone.
• Do not carry more than one passenger with you. If your snowmobile is designed for one rider only, ride alone.
• Do not pull people on saucers, tubes, tires, sleds or skis behind a snowmobile.
• Exercise extreme caution when crossing a road.
• Make sure your snowmobile is registered and insured if you are riding on property other than your own.
• Operating a snowmobile requires the same maturity required to drive a car. By law, snowmobile drivers must be at least 14 to operate a snowmobile independently.
If you have information on any crime, contact your local RCMP detachment or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.
