News Release Archive
TRANSPORTATION/COMMUNICATIONS--SNOWMOBILE SAFETY WEEK ------------------------------------------------------------ In conjunction with the Snowmobilers Association of Nova Scotia, the Department of Transportation and Communications has proclaimed Dec. 10 - 16 as Snowmobile Safety Week. "As with other sports involving motor vehicles, time must be taken to become familiar with the safety features of the equipment, regulations concerning traffic and safety and the environment in which the activity takes place," said Transportation and Communications Minister Richie Mann. Snowmobiling is gaining popularity across the country and therefore public awareness regarding the responsibilities associated with this form of recreation must increase as well, he said. Many snowmobile accidents are preventable and generally fall into five categories: drowning, collision with fixed objects, collision with parked motor vehicles, collision with moving motor vehicles, and exposure to the cold. The minister said that all it usually takes to avoid a snowmobile accident is common sense. "If you must cross a frozen pond or lake, check the thickness of the ice with local residents first. Inform others of where you plan to go and when you expect to return. Also, keep in mind many accidents occur during the loading or unloading of machines," he said. -30- Contact: Jim Vance 902-424-7549 trp Dec. 13, 1995