Snowmobile safety tips from Perth County OPP

Police in Perth County are reminding avid snowmobile operators to abide by the law as they enjoy this popular winter pastime.

"We did have a snowmobile actually run into the back of a truck out in West Perth," Const. Michael Melnychuk, with the Ontario Provincial Police, told CBC News.

As well, a 28-year-old Emsdale, Ont., man died after his snowmobile hit a downed tree near the town of Kearney, just west of Algonquin Provincial Park, on Dec. 18.

"We felt, with the recent snowfall, that it was good to point out things to people, like what the requirements are," Melnychuk said.

In Ontario, snowmobile drivers must follow the rules and regulations as they are written up in the Motorized Snow Vehicle Act. 

"There's speed limits for on trails and there's where they have to cross the roads and stuff like that," Melnychuk said. "It's just like the Highway Traffic Act or the Off-Road Vehicle Act."

He said some rules that tend to be ignored are speed limits on public trails, proper snowmobile registration and having a permit to operate on private trails.

"Also, we like to draw attention to the fact that you're not allowed to operate impaired on a snowmobile. We encourage no drinking and driving at all on snow vehicles."

Melnychuk said a detailed list of rules can be found on the Ministry of Transportation's website.

Some of that list includes that you must:

• Be at least 12 years old and have a valid driver's licence or motorized snow vehicle operator's licence.
• Have insurance.
• Wear a helmet that meets approved standards.
• Not ride on high-speed roads, like the 400-series highways, on paved public roads or on the ploughed portion of the shoulder.
• Never drive while impaired.

The list also makes recommendations on what you should carry when going out on a snowmobile – including a survival kit – tips on driving at night and what to do if you must travel over ice.