The Quebec Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (FCMQ) will once again be promoting safety and a code of ethics for safe snowmobiling practices during February, official Snowmobile Month.
From February 7 through 10, members of the Federation’s executive committee, including its president, will crisscross snowmobile trails in eastern Quebec. They will depart from Quebec City for the Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean region and then return to Quebec City via the Charlevoix region.
Safety will always be one of the Federation’s key priorities. “During the annual safety caravan, we have an opportunity to meet snowmobilers on the trails and at clubs’ stopovers. We will be reminding them about the five S’s of safety: Stay on marked trails at the indicated speed level, Stay away from drinking and driving, Stay on the right at all times, Stop at road crossings and Stay a reasonable distance behind other snowmobiles,” said Raymond Lefebvre, general manager of the FCMQ.
Code of ethics for safe snowmobiling
The code of ethics for safe snowmobiling is aimed at making snowmobiling a safe activity that respects the environment. All snowmobilers are encouraged to comply with the principles of this code, which prescribes behaviours that protect and preserve the environment for the benefit of all. Moreover, the code recommends using snowmobiles equipped with the latest technology for reducing emissions and noise. It is also important to respect others’ rights, including those of property owners and other outdoor enthusiasts.
The code of ethics also reminds drivers that there is a Zero Tolerance policy regarding alcohol consumption and snowmobiling. Snowmobilers must make a choice: drink or drive.
The FCMQ would like to thank its partners for supporting the safety caravan: the Quebec Ministry of Transport, Éduc’Alcool, the International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association (ISMA), Skidoo, Yamaha, Polaris, Arctic Cat, Globalstar and MaxNeige Programme d’assurances. This year, representatives of MaxNeige Programme d’assurances and Arctic Cat will participate in the caravan as new partners in the provincial protection officers project.
The Federation would also like to remind snowmobilers that conditions on trails in some regions may be icy due to a lack of snow cover, and that they should use greater caution, particularly when approaching a curve.
The Quebec Federation of Snowmobile Clubs is the leading organization for snowmobiling, a sector that generates some $1.5 billion in annual economic benefits. The Federation is made up of 225 clubs representing 84,616 members, who can count on the support of 4,560 volunteers. Its member clubs manage the sale of access permits to the Quebec network of 33,500 km of trails and ensure the network’s development, maintenance, signage and safety. More information is available at the Federation’s Web site at www.fcmq.qc.ca.
When snowmobiling, respect the five S’s of safety:
1. Stay on marked trails at the indicated speed level
2. Stay away from drinking and driving
3. Stay on the right at all times
4. Stop at road crossing
5. Stay a reasonable distance behind other snowmobiles
