Snowmobiling is a popular winter sport but safety experts say riding safely should be more important than a quick adrenalin rush.
According to the Canadian Institute for Health Information, snowmobiling leads to more injuries than any other winter sport. Furthermore, the injuries are more severe and result in longer hospital stays than any other recreational injuries.
Local police say snowmobile experience, or lack of, plays a huge role in whether someone’s trip will end up on a positive note or not.
Oxford Community Police Service Sgt. John Rusnak indicated that snowmobiling incidents or injury frequently occur because of a rider’s lack of experience, needing to be able to negotiate a turn on a trail, or the knowledge of where a potential obstacle may lie.
He recommends riding with an experienced snowmobiler who has knowledge of the trail and where ponds, swamps and other waterways are located.
