A spokesperson for Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) says in recent years speed has been the leading cause of snowmobile fatalities in our province.
Tara Seel is Media and Public Relations Lead with MPI. She says from 2021 to 2024, there were 12 snowmobile fatalities in Manitoba. Though speed was determined to be the leading cause, other factors included alcohol impairment, lack of helmet use, driver inexperience, and careless driving.
When it comes to speed, Seel says some of that can be attributed to the rider not knowing the strength of the machine.
"Newer snowmobiles go very quick," she says. "A lot of people are on these machines and maybe don't have the driving experience to control them."
According to Seel, January and February are the two months with the highest fatality rates for snowmobiles in Manitoba. MPI and Snoman Inc. joined forces to highlight International Snowmobile Safety Week from January 12 to 18 and will also host Manitoba's first Winter Trails Day on February 8th.
Seel says there have been a couple of tragic incidents in recent weeks where some very young riders were killed in snowmobile collisions. The first one happened on December 22nd north of Rosebank. According to Pembina Valley RCMP, a 10-year-old boy was operating a snowmobile with a group of family members when he swiped a fence causing him to lose control of the snowmobile. He then collided with a tree and though he was wearing a helmet and other safety equipment, he died from his injuries.
The second crash happened on January 10th near God's Lake Narrow. RCMP believe that a snowmobile, operated by a 12-year-old male with a 14-year-old male passenger, was pulling a toboggan with three passengers, all 12 years of age. The toboggan struck a tree stump on the path and as a result, a 12-year-old female was thrown from the toboggan and later died from her injuries. Police say none of the children were wearing helmets.
Seel says the message to sledders is to slow down and control your speed. She adds it is important that riders have the experience necessary for the machine they are using. Also, Seel says it is always a good idea to ride with someone else, and if that is not possible, to then make sure that someone knows your route and what time you expect to arrive.
"So that if something does go wrong, people know to look for you," she says.
According to Seel, Manitoba has 12,000 kilometres of designated provincial trails. She notes these trails are groomed and maintained and have been checked for hazards, making them your best bet for riding.
Meanwhile, on Tuesday of this week, MPI and Snoman teamed together for a safety demonstration near Stonewall. Seel says the event was used to highlight sharing of the roadway, trail safety, and trail grooming equipment as well as safety equipment for snowmobiles and riders.
Seel says every snowmobile rider should bring with them a shovel, a fully charged cell phone, and some rope. This can all prove to be helpful in the event of an emergency. And finally, Seel says wearing a helmet is so important.
"Your head is worth more than $50 or $100, so invest in that more expensive higher quality helmet, that's really going to give you that protection," she says.
Not only that, but Seel says dressing for the elements, particularly in this cold weather is also vital.