WEST CARLETON – The Ottawa Police Service kicked off March with patrols all over West Carleton snowmobile trails.

“Marine Dive Trail (MDT) officers were out on the trails again last weekend, focusing on impaired drivers,” the OPS released in a statement today (March 2).

On Sunday, March 1 the MDT patrolled Fitzroy Harbour, Carp and Dunrobin, which resulted in 38 stops. No charges were laid.

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

A high percentage of fatalities on snowmobile trails involve alcohol.

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

The MDT held a RIDE checkpoint on the trailhead at South-North Gower/Richmond Friday night (Feb. 28). A total of 29 vehicles were stopped. While there were no charges laid, police encountered two snowmobile operators who tried to evade police by avoiding the checkpoint.

Officers were also in Cumberland, Sarsfield and Vars on Saturday, Feb. 29 and conducted 70 stops to check for impaired drivers.

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

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