There’s truly nothing like it. No rush like a good ride. No winter sport that allows you to connect with the land and cover vast expanses by ripping over snow-covered terrain.
Snowmobiling remains hugely popular. And, with winter’s return, another season of riding is upon us.
There are more than 700,000 registered snowmobiles in Canada, and more than 125,000 kilometres of groomed snowmobile trails.
Most snowmobilers know to avoid riding over lakes and rivers due to the dangers of unsafe ice and the threat of collisions.
Less talked about are the very real risks of not seeing or hearing oncoming trains at places where snowmobiling trails intersect with rails.
Tracks aren’t trails, crossings require caution.
Modern trains are remarkably quiet and fast. With engines running and gear on, train sounds can be muffled and masked. Snowfalls can also make trains even more difficult to see. Collisions can happen in a split-second.
In recent years, a 69-year-old man in Chipman, N.B., was killed after the snowmobile he was driving collided with a train and another man died after his snowmobile collided with a train on a trail north of Barrie, Ont.
These tragic incidents and others are reminders that railway tracks aren’t trails and crossings require extreme caution.
Stay off. Stay back. Stay safe. Stay alive.
At OL Canada, we want every snowmobiler to arrive home safe after every ride. With our Look. Listen. Live. VR video, we show just how quickly a track tragedy can happen.
Whether you are a seasoned sledder, a weekend warrior, or someone just starting out on your snowmobiling adventure, take a few minutes to watch before you ride.
