Ontario Snowmobile Accident Lawyer, Ottawa Injury Lawyer David Hollingsworth..The weather we have been getting here in eastern Ontario has left many snowmobilers and ice fishing enthusiasts in a dangerous position.  It seems as though one day, mild weather is on it’s way and the next we are hit with 15 centimetres of snow.  What concerns me as an Ontario injury lawyer is how dangerous it can be out there on the ice. The most obvious snowmobiling rule is to never cross water as there are no guarantees that ice is thick enough to support a human or a motor vehicle such as a snowmobile. Ice is always dangerous and could break open at any point. I would caution everyone to stay clear of frozen water it is absolutely certain it is safe.  

Snowmobiles have  far less traction for starting, turning, and stopping on ice than they do on snow. It is always best to travel at slower speeds, allowing a snowmobile driver to keep better control  and  fast stop on shorter notice. Trying to stop a snowmobile that is travelling at higher speeds typically results in spins, which are not only dangerous but can be fatal. For best control, it is best to drive your snowmobile from a seated position.

Snowmobile accidents on Ontario lakes are far too common.  Most Ontario lakes are flat, wide open areas, but they are not free of obstructions. Remember, if you can ride and turn in any direction while operating on a lake, so can other snowmobile riders. That means that another driver could appear out of nowhere. A snowmobile accident could happen at any time.  Although there are many head on snowmobile accidents each year in Ontario, drowning is a leading cause of fatal snowmobile accidents. To be safe, it’s always best to wear a floatation snowmobile suit and ride with ice picks.

What to do if you fall through the ice..

If the ice breaks and you fall through the ice, try to stay calm. Place your arms out  in front of you on the outer unbroken ice . Try to kick your feet to propel yourself up onto the ice. Keep doing so until the ice stops breaking.  If you don’t have an ice pick, use anything sharp such as keys or a knife to help dig into the ice and give you a grip. Don’t remove your gloves. Once you get up onto the  ice, crawl away from the hole. Absolutely do not stand up until you are safely far away from the hole as standing up increases the chances of the ice cracking.

A snowmobile is considered to  be a motor vehicle. All snowmobiles must be registered, no matter what they’re used for or where they’re used.  Safety is so important to enjoying snowmobiling. Each year, many accidents happen that are completely preventable,  causing needless death and injury each year.

If someone you know or if you have been injured in an Ontario snowmobile accident, you many be entitled to Ontario accident benefits through your own insurance. If you have not insured your snowmobile, you may still be entitled to Ontario accident benefits.  There are options out there and help for you. Consult an Ontario personal injury lawyer to discuss how you can get some help.

———————- Our  Ottawa Injury Lawyer Blog is written regularly by Ontario personal injury lawyer David Hollingsworth. The Ottawa Injury Lawyer Blog reports on accidents in eastern Ontario, personal injury issues, local Ottawa news and events and various news that relates to Ottawa, accidents and personal injury. Visit  www.ottawainjury.ca for more information. If you have a topic you would like me to write about or  if you have a question,  please call or email me: david@ottawainjury.ca (613) 978-9549

Ottawa Ontario snowmobile accident lawyer David Hollingsworth, Ontario Accident Benefits Snowmobile Accidents