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Unprecedented snowmobile traffic on area trails this weekend, OPP say

Police doled out 10 warnings and 28 offence notices this weekend

NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE
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MIDLAND - Snowmobile patrol officers from the Southern Georgian Bay detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were on patrol during the January 11-24, 2021 period checking riders for impairment, equipment and trail passes/licencing. Officers logged over 600 kilometers patrolling area trails and educated numerous snowmobile riders at 14 separate trail side locations including the Penetanguishene Rotary Champlain Wendat Park. In total 10 warnings and 28 offence notices were issued under the Motorized Snow Vehicle Act including nine improper mufflers charges throughout their North Simcoe patrol area.

Two Separate Incidents of Snowmobilers Driving into Open Water

Sadly, officers were called along with Simcoe County Paramedic Services and Tay Township and Penetanguishene Fire Services to respond to two separate incidents on Sunday Jan. 17, 2021. In both incidents the operators perished as a result of the incidents resulting in the loss of three area residents.

Two Snowmobile Crashes Investigated

On Jan. 23, 2021 at 1:50 p.m. OPP officers along with Tiny Township Fire Services and County of Simcoe Paramedics responded to report of a snowmobile that had rolled over on Manitou Circle in Tiny Township. The driver suffered non-life threatening injuries and was transported to Georgian Bay General Hospital for treatment. Investigators later issued the operator of the involved snowmobile an offence notice for failing to wear a helmet contrary to the motorized snow vehicle Act.

On Jan. 22, 2021 at 2:48 p.m. officers and Simcoe County Paramedics were dispatched to an incident at a Robins Point Road residence were it was later determined that an infant was injured as a result of a snowmobile mishap on private property. The infant was treated at Georgian Bay General Hospital and released.

Officers on patrol over the Jan.  23/24, 2021 period noted that they had never observed as much snowmobile traffic on area trails at any time during their careers and officers on patrol responded to numerous complaints of vehicles and trailers parked on the side of area roadways. Officers also investigated four calls for service during their patrols. 

Snowmobile operators are advised to check trail conditions prior to heading out and the following internet web sites can provide an insight into those conditions and whether the trails are open or still closed; Ontario Federation of Snowmobile ClubsMid Ontario Snowmobile Clubs

If you have to travel out onto an ice surface always remember that "No Ice Is Safe Ice" and you need to be aware of current, past weather conditions and recent commercial ice breaking activity along with checking with area residents who have "local knowledge of ice conditions". The following web sites are a must see for those who travel on ice surfaces- Cold Water Boot Camp along with https://twitter.com/OPP_News/status/1342817627077488641

The attached photograph shows that despite drawing a large amount of media attention to the poor to non existent area ice conditions, (see https://twitter.com/OPP_CR/status/1352707879875309572 ) there is always someone willing to take that chance, is it worth the Risk?

Unlawfully removing trail signs can create some very dangerous situations, if you have knowledge of anyone removing OFSC trail signs please contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). You can submit your information online at www.p3tips.com. Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to call display and you will remain anonymous. Being anonymous, you will not testify in court and your information may lead to a cash reward of up to $2,000.00. You can follow Crime Stoppers of Simcoe Dufferin Muskoka www.crimestopperssdm.com on Twitter or Facebook.       

Police remind snowmobilers that an essential part of the enforcement job is to save lives and reduce injuries on our trails, through community partnerships we educate the public about safe driving practices - #Never Drive Impaired

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