Marine Dive Trail officers conducted RIDE programs again this weekend

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, March 2, 2020  3:30 pm

(Ottawa) – Marine Dive Trail (MDT) officers were out on the trails again this weekend, focusing on impaired drivers.

At a RIDE checkpoint on the trailhead at South-North Gower/Richmond, a total of 29 vehicles were stopped on Friday night. While there were no charges laid, police encountered two snowmobile operators who tried to evade police by avoiding the checkpoint.

“The laws regarding impairment and snowmobiling are the same as operating a car or a boat,” said OPS MDT Acting Sergeant Walter Lushman. “We conduct this type of enforcement to ensure drivers are being responsible, for everyone’s safety.”

Many fatalities on snowmobile trails involve alcohol.

Officers were in Cumberland, Sarsfield and Vars on Saturday and conducted 70 stops to check for impaired drivers.

On Sunday, they patrolled Fitzroy, Carp and Dunrobin, which resulted in 38 stops.

“The trails were busy this weekend, which demonstrates exactly why impaired driving puts all trail users at risk,” said A/Sgt. Lushman.  “Snowmobiling is fun, but enjoy this activity responsibly. Everyone has the right to safely enjoy the trails.”

Impaired snowmobile operation carries the same penalty as driving a car or boat impaired.

Snowmobile safety tips: https://bit.ly/2VCV1d2

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