Unlicensed teen hurt in northern Ont. snowmobile crash

A 13-year-old was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries after a snowmobile crash Friday on an OFSC trail south of Lake Duborne.

A 13-year-old snowmobile driver was issued a ticket after a single-vehicle crash on an OFSC trail south of Blind River sent the youth to hospital last week.

Ontario Provincial Police responded to the incident on Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs Trail D, south of Lake Duborne, at about 6:45 p.m. on March 27.

OPP said the snowmobile left the trail and struck several trees. Police officers accessed the trail via Kahles Road from Highway 557 and arrived at the scene by snowmobile.

Algoma Paramedic Services transported the youth from the trail to a hospital in Blind River with non-life-threatening injuries.

OPP added that its investigation determined the 13-year-old driver was unlicensed.

As a result, the teen was issued a provincial offence notice for driving on a public trail with no licence.

Licensing reminders for riders

“OPP reminds riders that they must have a valid trail permit, insurance, registration, and the appropriate licence,” said OPP in a news release.

Riders aged 12 and older must hold a valid motorized snow vehicle operator’s licence to operate on Ontario trails. The OFSC offers an online driver training course for those seeking to obtain this licence.

Safety first

In response to the incident, OPP provided a checklist riders should complete before heading out:

• Check trail status and ensure routes are open
• Obey posted speed limits (50 km/h on trails; 20 km/h on roads posted 50 km/h or less; 50 km/h on roads over 50 km/h)
• Never operate a snowmobile while impaired
• Use caution on frozen waterways and check ice conditions before travelling

“OPP detachments across the province have been conducting snowmobile patrols throughout the winter season and will continue these efforts for the remainder of the snowmobile season,” said police.

OPP also reminded trail users that OFSC trails are maintained year-round by volunteers and exist through the generosity of private landowners. Police said that compliance with licensing and permit requirements helps ensure these trails remain available for public use.

“Unsafe or unlawful activity can be reported to the OPP,” said police.

“For emergencies, call 911.”

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