Police in southwestern Ontario are warning the public to be cautious after three snowmobilers died and at least two others were seriously injured in the past week.

Police say a 51-year-old Oxford County man died after a crash on New Year’s Eve near Otterville, about an hour east of London, Ont. The man has been identified as Todd Smith

Another snowmobiler was killed and second person was seriously injured on New Year’s Eve in a collision with an ATV in Wallaceburg, about 30 minutes south of Sarnia, the OPP reports.

Meanwhile, police say a 16-year-old Alma, Ont., boy died on Thursday after hitting a tree while snowmobiling near Elmvale. Speed and inexperience may have been factors in that crash.

And on Friday, 27-year-old Kim Gomes was airlifted to a hospital in Hamilton after crashing into a tree near New Hamburg.

Her husband Justin Gomes tells CTV Kitchener that it all happened very quickly and that his wife has serious injuries.

“She’s going to need probably implants for teeth and probably other things are probably very expensive,” he said. “I don’t have the funds … to take care of that.”

A GoFundMe page is raising money for Gomes’ dental implants and other costs.

Laura Brown with Perth County OPP says that snowmobilers need to stay on Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs trails.

“They’re marked for a reason,” she said.

OPP Deputy Commissioner Brad Blair says there have been seven fatalities in Ontario since the start of the snowmobile season, with many riders breaking basic safety rules.

“We are seeing far too many snowmobilers riding on unsafe ice again this year and our fatalities this season speak volumes about how dangerous this is,” he said in a statement on the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) website.

“We are also seeing riders using OFSC trails that are closed, which is against the law. Safe snowmobiling starts with choosing safe, reliable terrain to ride on.”

Other tips from the OFSC include:

  • Ride only during times of good visibility, since snowfall, freezing rain, sun glare, flat light or fog, darkness, and visor fogging can impair the ability to see the terrain.
  • Spread out and keep a safe distance from other riders.
  • Keep on the right side of all trails and use hand signals.
  • Be aware of the risk of crossing ice. Always cross in good visibility conditions and try to follow a previously beaten track or stake line. Never cross alone. Keep a sharp eye out for ice heaves and ice roads.
  • File a ride plan before leaving home, carry a reliable communications device and a personal tracking unit, and always ride with an emergency/survival kit.

With reports from CTV Kitchener and CTV London