The Canadian Institute for Health Information reports that snowmobiling is the leading cause of severe injury from winter sports and recreational activities in Canada.  Two recent and tragic accidents in our community underscore the dangers of this activity.

On March 3rd 2016, Ottawa newspapers reported a tragic snowmobile accident which resulted in the death of an Ottawa firefighter and life-threatening head injuries for another man. The two men crashed in a head-on collision on a trail in the middle of a field near Russell Road and Forced Road in Ottawa.

In late February, an Ottawa man lost his 26 year old son in an off-road snowmobiling accident, which also caused serious injuries to his 36 year old cousin. The father, Ivan Petersen, lost his brother in another snowmobile crash near Petawawa, the previous year and says that he himself will give up snowmobiling.  

These incidents follow in the wake of numerous other snowmobile crashes in Ontario this winter. Particularly disturbing are the number of recent snowmobile accidents involving children.

• On Feb 23, 2016, a child was seriously injured when a snowmobile drove over him. The machine was operated by another child, without supervision.

• On Feb 7, 2016, two snowmobiles collided south of Sudbury, resulting in the death of a 42 year old man and a 29 year old woman, as well as injuries to a one year old child.

• On Jan 17, 2016, a 14 year old PEI boy died when his snowmobile crossed the road into an oncoming car.

• On Jan 10, 2016, two boys aged 9 and 10 were riding a snowmobile near a farm when it crashed and rolled over, killing one boy and severely injuring another.

Although snowmobiling can be a source of recreation and a chance to get outdoors, there is a very real risk of injury to riders of every age. However, the greatest risk is for children and youths. In fact, the Canadian Paediatric Society recommendations for snowmobile safety advises that no one under the age of 16 should operate a snowmobile, because their maturity, size and strength place them at a significant disadvantage in controlling these machines. Further, children six and under should never even ride as passengers on a snowmobile. As well as strength, it takes stamina to hold on, particularly over bumpy terrain and for longer drives, which is another reason why young children are disadvantaged as riders. The Society also recommends that for youths 16 and over, there should be a graduated licensing program, as with driving a car.

Ontario laws governing snowmobile use

• All riders must wear a helmet that meets motorcycle helmet guidelines

• There is no age restriction on private property

• Children 12 and older with a motorized snow vehicle operator’s licence (MSVOL) may ride on snowmobile trails without supervision

• Children 16 and older with a valid driver’s licence may ride across public roads

• All snowmobiles must be licenced and insured

• 50 km/hr is the maximum speed on trails and on roads with posted speed over 50 km/hr

• 20 km/hr is the maximum speed in public parks and on roads with posted speed under 50 km/hr

• Impaired driving is illegal

The Canadian Paediatric Society reports that head injuries are the primary cause of severe and fatal injuries in snowmobiling accidents. Severe injuries to children usually occur when snowmobiles collide, overturn or fall while being driven. Children are also sometimes injured while being towed on various structures such as sleds. Towing children is not recommended under any circumstances.

In 1990, Canadian hospitals began collecting data on serious snowmobiling injuries involving children and found that half the injuries occurred on weekends and on private property. It was reported that four children die every year in Canada from snowmobiling accidents. Most fatalities and severe injuries happen when a driver hits a tree, fence, post or another vehicle. Some of the children under 16 were severely injured or killed when they fell off the snowmobile or when the machine rolled over them. Other sources of injury are near-drowning events, frostbite and hypothermia, and hearing loss resulting from prolonged exposure to the loud engine noise.

Snowmobiling Liability

In addition to the risk of injury for children and other participants, snowmobile enthusiasts should consider the potential liability if an accident and injuries occur.  Not unlike any motor vehicle accidents, snowmobile accidents are often preventable and result from driver error or negligence. Even experienced snowmobilers can make mistakes. Drivers who are held responsible for causing a snowmobiling accident that results in serious injuries or death, can be sued by their passengers or by other riders.

Safety Tips for Snowmobilers

The Ontario Ministry of Transportation (OMT) as well as the Canadian Paediatric Society (CPS) recommend the following actions that contribute to safe snowmobiling.

Always be well prepared for your trip.

• Check the weather forecasts

• Check the condition of the trails

• Know where you are going and familiarize yourself with your route

• Ensure your vehicle is in good working order and the gas tank is full

• Carry a first aid kit, emergency kit, cell phone and other supplies (such as granola bars, flashlights) that may be useful in the event of an emergency

• All riders should wear proper gear (including helmets) and warm clothing

Drive safely

• Drivers under 16 are not recommended to drive a snowmobile (CPS)

• Never permit children under 6 to ride as a passenger

• Don’t carry more than one passenger

• Do not pull people on sleds or other devices.  If towing is necessary, tow using a rigid bar connection, drive slowly and use a spotter   

• Always drive within your abilities

• Stay on known trails

• Don’t drive on private property without an owner’s permission

• Beginners should only drive during daylight

• Travel in groups of two or more

• Drive at safe speeds

• Take extra care in rugged terrain

• Stop and check for traffic when crossing roads or railway tracks

• Never drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs

• Avoid driving on frozen bodies of water, particularly unfamiliar lakes or streams    

The laws governing snowmobiling differ between provinces, but in addition to adhering to any applicable laws, adults need to decide for themselves what actions and steps will keep their family and friends safe while snowmobiling.  Above all, let’s do what it takes to keep our children safe in all their winter activities.