Police are urging people to drive sober and be cautious around ice — or the lack of it — during the mild start to winter.
Southern Georgian Bay OPP, along with the Ontario Federation of ATV Clubs, the North Simcoe Safe and Sober Awareness Committee, MADD and Arrive Alive, also remind off-road vehicle operators to wear all required personal safety equipment.
“Riders should also remember that no ice is safe Ice and that any travel on the current water/ice surface conditions, if any ice should even exist, should be done while wearing proper survival clothing/suit, having a fully charged cellphone along with telling a friend, family member or neighbour of your destination,” police said in a news release.
“North Simcoe-area fire services train in ice and water rescue incidents. However, valuable time is lost in determining and attending incident locations. Aerial support may be available through the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre in Trenton, but arrival time may be lengthy, leaving self-rescue as your only option, which cannot be overstressed …”
Off-road vehicle operators can use location apps such as what3words.
