Five deaths on local trails in just two weeks has the Ontario Provincial Police and the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs concerned.
Both the OPP and OFSC say fatalities are preventable and urge riders to play it safe as the season wraps up.
Police say the number of deaths investigated by the OPP has seen an overall decline to date this season. However, five tragedies in the past two weeks indicate that sledders are not adjusting their riding habits to the late season conditions.
Officials say the causes of these tragic deaths are common, predictable and preventable.
Alcohol or excessive speed has played a direct role in nearly every fatal incident investigated by police.
The OPP and the OFSC say there are easy ways to avoid injury and death; they include sledding alcohol-free, reducing your speed, adjusting your riding to spring conditions, and always wearing a helmet.
During the spring you should be avoiding closed trails and staying away from open water and ice that weakens quickly with milder weather.
You can visit the OFSC website for full listings of trail closures at ofsc.ca.
