Snowmobiling is a fast-growing winter activity.

It’s also simply out and out fast.

These machines are built for speed. And depending on the rider, the throttle can be all the way out.

Like any fast-moving machine, the possibility of mayhem increases with speed.

How fast can they go? At a recent ‘radar run’ in Alliston, snowmobiles were clocked at speeds close to 200 km/h. That was part of an organized event, but you can bet some riders are tearing up the trails, or farmers’ fields, in circumstances not so controlled.

We’re not sure why a snowmobile would need to go 200 km/h. But if snowmobilers have a need for speed, a controlled event is a relatively safe option.

Some might argue that there is no need for manufacturers to make snowmobiles that can reach such insane speeds. But manufacturers only supply what the public demands, and as long as there are those out there willing to shell out the cash for fast machines, they will continue to make them.

You could make the same argument about cars, but with cars that kind of acceleration could be used to get drivers out of a tight spot. With snowmobilers, that much speed is only going to get them into trouble, not out of it.

Events such as organized radar runs and poker tours are great outlets for snowmobilers who might otherwise be tempted to open up their machines on a seemingly desolate tract of trail where another sledder could be just around the curve, or a flat stretch of sideroad where a motorist might just be pulling out of their driveway.

They are also great opportunities for club and police to spread safe sledding tips and information.
But too many snowmobilers are taking satisfying their need for speed on local trails and roads, and it’s costing them their lives and/or putting others at risk.

These sledders should do themselves and everyone else out there a favour and keep their speeding on the track where it belongs.