Timmins Police, concerned about a recent upsurge in complaints about snowmobilers, have issued a reminder to all drivers of motorized snow vehicles to enjoy their winter rides, and to drive responsibly and safely on designated trails and routes.
“We a have had increase in the number of complaints about the careless use of snowmobiles within the city limits,” said Kate Cantin, TPS Corporate Communications Officer.
Timmins Police have two traffic officers dedicated to enforcing snowmobile safety by undertaking snowmobile patrols.
A recent joint Timmins Police and Ontario Provincial Police snowmobile safety blitz resulted in 17 charges laid under the Ontario Motorized Snow Vehicle Act.
Major infractions included speeding, dangerous driving and driving while intoxicated.
Some of the infractions occurred on city streets that are not part of the snowmobile trails.
“It is the responsibility of all snowmobilers to familiarize themselves with the rules of the snow mobile trails and the Motorized Snow Vehicles Act,” explained Traffic Sergeant Tom Chypyha. “Snowmobilers must also be aware of restricted areas within the city and abide by those rules under both the MSVA and City of Timmins by-laws.”
Cantin reminded drivers that snowmobiles are not allowed on city streets unless portions have been designated as part of the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs an access point for a trail.
“It’s also the responsibility of a snowmobiler to know where the trails are located where snowmobiles may be safely driven,” Cantin said.
A complete trail system map for the Timmins is available here.
“Driving a snowmobile on streets or properties that are not part of the OFSC trail system poses a danger to motorists and pedestrians who may not expect to see a snowmobile,” explained Cantin.
This is especially important especially important during or after heavy snowstorms snowbanks are high and snowmobiles may not be visible to motorists.
“We are concerned about snowmobile drivers’ behaviour that put people’s safety at risk,” Constable McGaghran, TPS snowmobile safety liaison officer said.
“We have noticed reckless behaviour on the trail system and also adjacent to the trails,” he added.
“A number of complaints have been lodged with police over speeding, use of snowmobiles off trail, and fleeing from police,” said McGaghran.
“We have stopped a number of snowmobiles clocked at 110 km/h when the posted speed on all trails is 50 km/h.”
No fatalities have occurred in the Timmins area recently, but there as been an increase in snowmobile collisions.
McGaghran also cited a couple of occurrences where snowmobile drivers have failed to stop for police.
“It is dangerous to flee from a police officer at high speed,” McGaghran noted.
In December, 2014 a Timmins man was charged with charged with assault with a weapon, assaulting a peace officer, and dangerous driving causing bodily harm after a city police officer was dragged behind a fleeing snowmobile driving illegally on Second Avenue near Spruce Street South.
Officer McGaghran reminded snowmobilers that a conviction under the Motorized Snow Vehicle Act can result in a minimum fine of $5,000, 14 days in jail and a five-year license suspension.
Operators of snowmobile require a trail permit and a motorized snow vehicle license.
Individuals under 16 up to age 12 may operate a snowmobile but they must be enrolled in motorized snow vehicle driving course which will then issue a learner’s permit.
Another source of complaints has arisen from snowmobilers going onto private property and causing damage to the property by driving through barbed wire fences and electric fences.
Farmers have also complained about trespassing snowmobilers causing harm to livestock and crops for next year’s planting.
Snowmobilers who need to gas up need to access a gas station from a trail.
It’s unlawful to get off the trail to access a gas station.
Anyone who sees the dangerous operation of a snowmobile may report the incident to police by calling 705-264-1201.
“We are not against snowmobiles, but we want to make sure snowmobiles are handled responsibly and safely,” said Constable McGaghran.
