Snowmobiling is an important winter activity for many Grey Bruce residents and visitors. Some people snowmobile for transportation or as part of their employment, while others enjoy snowmobiling in their spare time. Snowmobiles can be lots of fun – but it’s important not to treat them as toys. People who spend time around snowmobiles must be aware of the risks and understand how best to keep safe.
Snowmobiles are heavy and powerful, requiring physical strength and strong judgement to operate safely. The physical size, muscle coordination, and thinking skills needed to safely operate a snowmobile are not fully developed in children. Even snowmobiles marketed as ‘kid-sized’ are too big and strong for use by children, so child injury experts do not recommend them.
The Canadian Paediatric Society suggests that children are strong enough to ride snowmobiles as passengers at age 6, and do not recommend any riding for children under that age. It is safest for children to continue to ride snowmobiles only as passengers between the ages of 6 and 16. At 16, children are old enough to safely operate a snowmobile independently after taking a safety course.
For more tips, rules, and information about where you can drive, visit the Snowmobile safety | ontario.ca
Snowmobiles: Safety Tips for Families - Canadian Paediatric Society
Snowmobile Safety – District 9 (Grey Bruce), Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs - Home | OFSC District 9
Go Safe - Safety Tips from the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs
Snowmobile Driver Training - Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs
Parachute Canada – Children and Snowmobiles
Safety Tips for Families - Grey Bruce Health Unit
Cannabis and Snowmobiling - Grey Bruce Health Unit
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