Eastern Ontario witnessed a series of tragic snowmobile accidents, highlighting the inherent risks associated with this winter activity. The most recent incident occurred on Saturday, claiming the life of a 29-year-old woman and leaving a 33-year-old male passenger in critical condition. The collision transpired around 4 p.m. in McNab/Braeside on a trail managed by the Calabogie and District Snowmobile Club, which had just opened earlier that day.
Marc Diotte, the president of the Calabogie and District Snowmobile Club, expressed his shock, stating, “Obviously it’s devastating to hear that. We have not had that kind of incident on one of our trails that I can recall.” The incident has prompted concerns within the snowmobiling community, with Diotte emphasizing the need for caution and adherence to safety guidelines.
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to another snowmobile crash in North Frontenac Township on Sunday, where a driver collided with a tree, sustaining serious injuries. Meanwhile, a fatal snowmobile crash occurred in Georgian Bay Township on Friday, and two individuals narrowly escaped an icy mishap on Stoco Lake in Tweed after their snowmobile plunged through the ice.
Brianna Roberge, media relations officer for Renfrew OPP, highlighted the increased risk factors associated with the current winter conditions. She noted, “Up to this point in our season, we’ve had barely any snow. We’ve had a very mild winter, so I think we’re seeing more people out on their snowmobiles right now.” Roberge emphasized that fatalities in the past have been linked to unsafe riding on ice, speeding, loss of control, alcohol use, and driver inattention.
Investigations are ongoing for the recent incidents, and the OPP has not provided details on the causes of the collisions. Roberge cautioned, “These machines can be very, very dangerous if they are not driven with caution.” She pointed out that some of the latest snowmobile models can reach speeds of up to 180 km/h, well beyond the posted speed limits on trails managed by the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC).
Diotte echoed the importance of responsible riding, urging snowmobilers to adhere to the posted speed limits and avoid trespassing on closed trails. He noted that certain trail conditions, such as old railway beds, may encourage higher speeds, emphasizing the need for riders to prioritize safety over speed during their winter excursions.