Instances of people operating snowmobiles while impaired aren't a major issue in the Sundre RCMP detachment's district.
However, that's not to say it never happens, just that incidents aren't being caught or reported, said Cpl. Joe Mandel.
Operating any motorized vehicle, which includes off highway vehicles like snowmobiles, under the influence is illegal. Getting caught operating a snowmobile while intoxicated would result in a criminal code charge. Although a licence is not required to operate a snowmobile, the machine has to be insured and registered, he said.
Helmets are also not required under provincial law, but they are certainly advised, especially considering the speeds some snowmobiles can reach.
"They're slick machines designed to fly along the snow,” said Mandel.
Depending on the size of the motor, some of which reach 1,000 cc, snowmobiles can attain speeds as high as 160 kilometres per hour. While helmets are not provincially mandated, some municipalities have their own bylaws, he said.
Snowmobiles fall under the provincial laws regulating the use of off highway vehicles. No person under 14 years of age can ride unsupervised, he said.
The corporal said he was recently speaking with the owner of an off highway vehicle dealership in Sundre, and while sales have dipped along with the struggling economy, there remains a big interest in snowmobiling and off-roading in the area.
"The big thing is to make sure you're doing it safe,” he said.
People should know their limits and ensure their snowmobiles are properly maintained. They should also know where they plan to go. Regardless of the kind of off-highway vehicle being used, the rider should be certain not to stray onto private property, he said.
"We do get complaints of that,” he said.
There have been instances of trespassers cutting fence to gain access to an area and others who open gates and fail to close them resulting in released livestock, he said.
"That happens more often than people know,” he said.
Landowners with concerns about trespassers illegally using their land can contact their local RCMP detachment.
The corporal encourages winter recreation enthusiasts who ride snowmobiles to be safe and to have appropriate clothing and supplies for the conditions.
"In case they get stuck out overnight, they can survive,” he said.
Also important is never heading off without telling someone.
"Let someone know where you're going,” he said.
