With many weeks left in winter — snowmobiles continue to hit the trails.
With that in mind, the OPP remind you to stay safe while on your machines this winter.
A favourite past time in the area also carries plenty of hazards if not careful.
Grey County OPP Constable Steve Starr says when operating a snowmobile there needs to be a sense of maturity and agility.
Starr says if you operate a snowmobile on a trail you can obtain a specific trail license – but if you operate a snowmobile on any roadway you must have a valid drivers license.
Starr says children ages 12 to 16 need a snowmobile license to operate a snowmobile license…. but he warns parents that they should still make sure their children are ready to operate such a large machine.
Starr also suggests that children under 6 years of age not ride on any snowmobile.
Constable Starr also strongly recommends to check all ice surfaces before venturing out on them in snowmobiles.
He adds ice must be at least 5 inches thick for safety.
Starr reminds people that impaired driving rules apply to snowmobiling as well.
The criminal code charge for operating over 80 milligrams is applicable anywhere.
Constable Starr says that if you are charged with impaired driving while operating a snowmobile, and are ultimately convicted, you will lose your license for operating any vehicle – including your car.
Starr says if you are heading out, the best idea is to let someone know where you are headed and carry a charged cell phone with you at all times.
Starr says there were 16 snowmobiling related fatalities in Ontario last year.