Press Release –
OFSC Offers Courses and Safety Materials
Get trained before you go snowmobiling. That’s one of the key safety messages from the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) and the Ontario Provincial Police (O.P.P.) for this winter: a snowmobile is not a toy, so every rider should take the time to learn the rules of the trail, how to ride properly, and how to operate a sled. Getting trained for snowmobiling is accessible and easy.
The OFSC offers two courses approved by the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario (MTO). OFSC Driver Training is a 6-hour classroom style course for snowmobilers aged 12 years and older offered at numerous locations across Ontario. Since inception, 205,000 students have successfully completed the course exam and received a Motorized Snow Vehicle Operator’s Licence.
For adults, the OFSC offers an interactive version of Driver Training called The Right Way. Snowmobilers with a valid driver’s licence can order the course DVD/CD and booklet online to learn to be a better rider or get safety trained for work. After taking this course and passing an online test, riders receive a certificate confirming course completion.
“The O.P.P. and the OFSC encourage all riders to get trained, and that includes reading the owner’s manual for your sled to understand its operating characteristics,” said O.P.P. Sergeant Michael Price, Off Road Safety Highway Safety Division. “We also want to remind everyone that to ride a snowmobile legally in Ontario, you must be 12 years or older with either a valid Driver’s Licence or a Motorized Snow Vehicle Operator’s Licence.”
To help more snowmobilers get trained, the OFSC also offers Smart Choices, a DVD/brochure package specially written for teenagers, while its Think Like A Pro booklet provides advanced riding tips and techniques for experienced snowmobilers.
To register for or order a training course or other safety material, visit www.ofsc.on.ca
The OFSC is committed to proactive leadership in promoting safe, responsible riding, on and off Ontario snowmobile trails, by building safer snowmobiling knowledge, attitudes and behaviours through rider education, safety legislation development and enforcement.
The O.P.P. are committed to saving lives on Ontario’s highways, trails and waterways, through Professionalism, Leadership and Visibility. Reducing preventable injury and death across Ontario is a responsibility the OPP accept willingly and carry out professionally.
