December, 2001

Practise safe sledding this season

With the snowmobile season just around the corner, SGI is providing snowmobilers with some pointers to guarantee a safe winter.

“Snowmobiling has become one of the province’s most popular winter activities, with more than 90 snowmobiling clubs in the province,” says Shannon Ell, SGI’s Supervisor of Traffic Safety Promotion.

“Unfortunately, there is the potential for serious injury, and even death, if people don’t ride responsibly.”

Between 1996 and 2000, 21 people were killed in snowmobile collisions and 457 snowmobilers were injured. Riders can reduce their chances of being injured or killed in a crash by following a few simple rules.

Safety experts agree that one of the easiest ways to avoid a snowmobile crash is to separate the acts of drinking and snowmobiling. Over the last five years, 16 out of 21 snowmobile deaths were alcohol-related.

“Seventy-five per cent of all snowmobile deaths are alcohol-related. Drivers can reduce their risk by avoiding operating a snowmobile after drinking,” says Ell. “Snowmobiling while impaired carries the same penalties as if you were operating a vehicle. You will have your driver’s licence suspended and face hefty fines.”

Another easy way to avoid serious injury in the event of a snowmobile crash is to always wear a helmet. According to Saskatchewan’s Snowmobile Act, all snowmobile operators and passengers must wear a helmet.

The Act also states that in addition to being supervised, children 12 to 15 years of age must complete a snowmobile safety course before being allowed to operate a snowmobile in public areas.

The six-hour course is offered through the Saskatchewan Safety Council and promotes the safe and responsible use of snowmobiles. The course covers rules of the road, trail riding, survival and ice safety. The first part of the course consists of classroom instruction, while part two involves hands-on training.

“To enjoy a safe ride, we recommend that all snowmobilers, whether they’re novices or veterans of the sport, always wear a helmet, take a snowmobile safety course and never drink alcohol while sledding,” says Ell. “We also like to remind riders that there are many well-groomed trails throughout the province that provide a great sledding experience.”

For more information, contact:
Shannon Ell
Supervisor, Traffic Safety Promotion
SGI Communications
Regina
(306) 775-6179

Back to News Releases