Snowmobile Accident Statistics

Snowmobiling is a popular recreational activity in Canada, providing thrilling adventures across its diverse landscapes. However, it’s important to understand the safety implications of snowmobile use. This discussion delves into sobering statistics related to snowmobile accidents in Canada, shedding light on the common circumstances and outcomes associated with these incidents.

• Between 2013 and 2019, an annual average of 73 individuals in Canada tragically lost their lives in snowmobile accidents, encompassing all provinces and territories.
• The study reveals that a significant majority of snowmobile fatalities were male (89%). Alarmingly, in three-quarters of these tragic incidents, the snowmobile driver was alone at the time of the accident.
• Breaking down the nature of these accidents, 80% were single-vehicle events, while the remaining 20% involved collisions with other snowmobiles or vehicles. In the case of multi-vehicle collisions, 69% of the time, snowmobiles collided with cars or trucks, frequently occurring at intersections where public roads intersected with snowmobile trails. In the remaining 31% of multi-vehicle collisions, snowmobiles collided with other snowmobiles, often on dedicated trails.
• Within the single-vehicle accident category, seven out of ten incidents involved collisions with stationary objects, ejections, or rollovers. Submersion-related fatalities accounted for 14% of cases, while avalanches were responsible for 10%. These events took place in various settings, including trails, mountains, bodies of water, and road intersections.
• The study emphasizes the importance of wearing helmets to prevent head injuries during snowmobiling. It’s concerning to note that in at least 12% of cases, riders were not wearing helmets during fatal snowmobile accidents involving stationary objects, ejections, rollovers, or multi-vehicle collisions.
• Conversely, at least 55% of riders were found to be wearing helmets during these accidents (helmet use data was unavailable in 33% of cases). Even with the use of helmets, fatal injuries, such as those affecting the spine or chest, could still occur.

Sources:

https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/210122/dq210122d-eng.htm

https://www.statcan.gc.ca/o1/en/plus/258-safety-first-data-snowmobile-fatalities-canada