OPP Reminder: Snowmobile safety starts with you!

TORONTO, Dec. 20 /CNW/ - With the anticipated arrival of warmer

temperatures over the next few days and potential increased snowmobile use

over the holiday season, Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are reminding

snowmobilers to plan their routes carefully. The snow that has fallen from

recent winter storms acts as a warm blanket on the thin ice making rivers and

lakes appear safe when they are not.

     "Ice conditions can change rapidly each day due to milder temperatures,

so we urge those who operate snowmobiles to be aware of the trail conditions.

When unsure, avoid traveling over any bodies of water," says Chief

Superintendent Bill Grodzinski, Commander of the Highway Safety Division and

the Province's snowmobile programs.

     Already this winter, in eastern Ontario, the OPP has investigated a

snowmobile death attributed to thin ice conditions when three victims drove

across a lake and fell through the ice. Tragically, one passenger was not able

to pull himself from the frigid water.

     A safe return from a snowmobile trip starts with proper planning before

you leave. Let others know where you are going and when you will return. Pick

up trail maps and information about the trails in the area where you are going

to ride. Information on trail conditions is available from the Ontario

Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) at www.ofsc.on.ca.

     The OFSC has issued a "Yellow Alert" in relation to current snowmobiling

conditions in the province. This alert signals the need to use patience and be

very cautious on swamps and waterways, "because the weight and insulating

effect of the heavy snow may cause slush, and ice that was not safe before the

storm may be weakened by the extra snow."

     The Ontario Provincial Police remind all snowmobilers to operate their

machines safely, don't drink and sled and have a safe holiday season.