West Region OPP urge snowmobilers to ride safe, ride smart

(LONDON, ON) - You won't hear snowmobilers in the West Region OPP coverage area grumbling about this winter's heavy snow and icy cold weather. The ideal riding conditions are a great opportunity to enjoy the sport safely.

From Feb. 9-16, the OPP, in partnership with the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC), is hitting the trails for Motorized Snowmobile Week. The week-long education and enforcement campaign targets the unsafe riding behaviours that lead to death, injury and property damage, both on and off Ontario snowmobiling trails.

Excessive speed, loss of control, alcohol impairment and inattentive riding are the leading contributing factors to fatal snowmobile collisions in Ontario.

West Region OPP officers want to avoid a repeat of the 2024-25 riding season, when five riders lost their lives in fatal motorized snow vehicle collisions (Middlesex County - one death, Perth County - two deaths, Huron County - one death, Lambton County - one death). 

There have been three fatal snowmobile collisions in West Region so far in 2026 - South Bruce, Brant County, and Oxford County.

Before hitting the trails, make preparations to ensure your ride is a safe one:
 

• Wear a helmet and other safety gear
• Don't ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Don't ride on private property - stay on approved trails
• Check current trail status on the OFSC website
• Check the weather forecast
• Let someone know about your riding plans

"Taking a few extra steps helps ensure everyone gets home safely and can keep enjoying everything Ontario's winter has to offer," says inspector Mike McConnell, West Region OPP traffic and marine manager.