With January and February having the highest fatality rates for snowmobilers, Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) and Snoman Inc. are joining forces to highlight snowmobile safety to close out International Snowmobile Safety Week and lead into Manitoba’s first Winter Trails Day on February 8, 2025.
MPI and Snowman recently held a safety demonstration near Stonewall, where three different components of safety were highlighted:
- Sharing the roadway
- Trail safety and trail grooming equipment
- Safety equipment for snowmobiles and riders
“By highlighting safety concerns, we are creating awareness that there are many proactive steps riders can take to make themselves safer while out on their snowmobiles, especially wearing a helmet, controlling speed, and riding sober,” said Maria Campos, Vice President & Chief Customer and Product Officer. “MPI doesn’t advocate for and educate about safety alone. It is through partnerships, like the one we have with Snoman, that we are able to fulfill our road safety mission – whether it is on or off-road.”
From 2021-2024, there were 12 snowmobile fatalities in Manitoba. Speed was the leading contributing factor. Other factors included:
- Alcohol impairment
- Lack of helmet use
- Driver inexperience
- Careless driving
Snoman emphasized that riders have to be aware of the safety concerns.
“Excessive speed is a contributing factor in the majority of incidents and can lead to fatalities,” stated Jason Wiebe, President, Snoman Inc. “Riders have to be cognizant of their abilities and to not impair their sense of control by consuming alcohol or drugs while riding. Safety is first and foremost for our organization.”
Safety is a shared goal for MPI and Snoman. When you register your snowmobile, MPI collects a $25 non-refundable annual fee on all off-road vehicle registrations on behalf of the Government of Manitoba to support trail maintenance and development, off-road vehicle safety education and training programs, and rehabilitation of public lands impacted by off-road vehicle use.
Purchasing a Snopass to ride on 12,000 kilometres of designated provincial trails helps Manitoba invest in grooming and maintaining trails, which contribute to snowmobile safety.
