**KIRKLAND LAKE OPP NEWS RELEASE**

On December 14, 2019 members of the Kirkland Lake Detachment of Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a motor vehicle collision (MVC) involving a motorized snow vehicle (MSV) and dump truck on Taylor Avenue in the Town of Kirkland Lake, Ontario.  

Investigation determined that MSV was travelling west bound on Taylor Avenue and that the driver was unable to maintain control of the MSV and collided with the dump truck. No one was injured in this incident.

As a result of the police investigation into this incident, three people were charged. A 20-year-old male from Kirkland Lake, Ontario, was charged with the following offences;

 

  •  Careless Driving, contrary to section. 15 of the Motorized Snow Vehicles Act (MSVA),
  • No Licence – Drive Along Highway contrary to section 9(1) of the MSVA,
  • Improper Muffler, contrary to section 18(2) of the MSVA.

 

An 18-year-old male from Kirkland Lake, Ontario, was charged with the following offence,

 

  • Improper Muffler, contrary to section 18(2) of the MSVA.

 

A 15-year-old male from Kirkland Lake, Ontario, was charged with the following offence,

 

  • Obstruct Peace Officer, contrary to section 129(a) of the Criminal Code.

 

Since the beginning of the snowmobile season, the Kirkland Lake Detachment of the OPP have received multiple complaints and incidents involving snowmobiles. Snowmobile related occurrences involving serious injury or death on unsafe ice, speeding, loss of control, operator impairment, and driver inattention continue to cause otherwise preventable snowmobile deaths.  

Snowmobilers are reminded to comply with the speed limits in the Town of Kirkland Lake as per Municipal by-laws.

The Kirkland Lake Detachment of the OPP would like to remind snowmobile enthusiasts of their responsibilities and due diligence when venturing out. 

Snowmobile Checklist:

 

  • Check the weather before heading out.
  • Every operator and passenger requires a helmet that meets the safety standards. 
  • Obey speed limits and road/trail signs. 
  • Snowmobiles may not be operated at a greater rate of speed than:
  •  50 km/h – on snowmobile trails
  • 50 km/h – on roads where the speed limit is over 50 km/h
  • 20 km/h – on roads where the speed limit is 50 km/h or less
  • 20 km/h – in any public park or exhibition grounds

 

 

  • Avoid driving on frozen water. If you must, please check the ice conditions prior.
  • Many fatalities involve snowmobiles breaking through the ice or driving into open water.
  • Anytime you travel on ice, you put yourself and your passengers at risk.
  • Wear a buoyant snowmobile suit, carry ice picks and make sure they are available to you.
  • Exposure to extreme cold can lead to frostbite and hypothermia.
  • Always tell someone where you are going, your exact route and your expected time of return.
  • You should never travel alone and always be prepared for the unexpected.
  • Use caution at railway and road crossings. 
  • Always remain on the right-hand side of the trail.
  • At night, drive at a reduced speed and avoid travelling faster than the beam your headlight can shine ahead.
  • A rigid tow-bar must be used when towing a sled or similar device behind a snowmobile.
  • Drive within your ability.

 

The OPP reminds the snowmobile community that family members can positively influence those who take unnecessary risks on a snowmobile. If you suspect that a loved one’s snowmobiling behaviour is placing them at risk, speak up and remind them how important it is to you and your family that they make it home safely after every ride.   

For more information, click on the following links:

Snowmobile Safety in Ontario: http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/safety/snowmobile-safety.shtml

Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs: http://www.ofsc.on.ca/