During intense Ontario winters, snowmobiles are both a crucial means of transportation and a popular source of enjoyment, but unfortunately safety is a common issue. Icy lakes are often not as stable as they appear, which can cause trouble for snowmobile riders.
Over the weekend, two snowmobile accidents tragically claimed the lives of three Ontario residents. Saturday in Georgian Bay Township, two male snowmobile riders were involved in a single-vehicle collision on the unstable ice of Go Home Lake. The Canadian Armed Forces rescue crew arrived at the scene and found the two men during a search and rescue mission, but both were pronounced dead after being airlifted to a hospital in Parry Sound. In Highlands East Township, Thomas Rivers, age 53, was found dead in Dark Lake after his snowmobile fell through the ice.
To find out more about the details of these cases, click here to read the full article.
Although it is not always possible to tell whether ice is stable, there are many things you can do to stay safe while snowmobiling. Keeping your snowmobile properly maintained and in good mechanical condition is the first important step you can take. Always ride with a partner and never alone. If you can avoid crossing frozen lakes and other bodies of water, you should always do so. If you must cross a body of water, avoid moving across it in a single file. And of course, to avoid accidents, never drink alcohol before snowmobiling and drive at a safe speed.
If you or someone you know has been in a snowmobile accident, you may be entitled to medical and other benefits depending on the circumstances. It’s important that you speak with an experienced lawyer as soon as possible to make sure you receive the maximum compensation you deserve. To find out more about your legal rights, speak to a personal injury lawyer.