On Thursday, January 28, PEI RCMP officers participated in snowmobile user training that was hosted by PEI Snow Mobile Association in conjunction with PEI Conservation Officers, enhancing the number of RCMP officers that will be snow mobile patrols this winter.
Outdoor activities are a excellent for making the most out of winter and snowmobiles are a very popular winter sport. But, it's important that riders use common sense and abide by the "rules of the road" even when the road is a snow covered trail. Snowmobiling under the influence puts the rider, passengers and anyone who comes in contact with them in danger and no one wants to see anyone hurt or killed while out on a sled.
Safe operation is the focus for the officers out on the trail and now, in addition to the officers already trained in this aspect of policing, eight more officers, along with their policing partners and conservation officers are trained. Over the coming winter months, the officers will take part in strategic patrols to ensure speed, safety equipment, impairment and adherence to trail/private property is respected and rules followed. It's a sport, but like many sports, there is an element of risk, especially if speeding, impairment and lack of equipment are factors.
The overall goal of the trail patrols is to see everyone who gets out to enjoy what winter has to offer, gets home safe. It's not a big ask to abide by the rules and most importantly, have fun out there!