A Snowmobiling Accident In Quebec Left A 46-Year-Old Dead This Weekend

Quebec police received a 911 call about the accident at 2:45 a.m. on Saturday morning.

Snowmobile parked on a hill.

Snowmobile parked on a hill.

Contributing Writer

Between all the snow squalls and freezing rain that Quebecers have had to contend with in recent weeks, getting around the province has become particularly dangerous lately — and not just for drivers.

The weekend of March 5 sadly saw yet another snowmobiling accident in Quebec turn deadly.

The Sûreté du Québec received a 911 call at 2:45 a.m. on March 5 about a snowmobiling accident. Eric Léturneau, age 46, of Saint-Théophile in the Beauce region, was snowmobiling in the night when he lost control of his snowmobile and crashed. A snowmobiler ahead of him on the Saint-Théophile trail looked back, saw that Léturneau was no longer behind them, and called for help.

"Emergency services were called to respond on the 25 North snowmobile trail in Saint-Théophile," said a Sûreté du Québec spokesperson." The snowmobiler, who was alone on board, was transported to the hospital where he was unfortunately declared dead."

According to Statistics Canada, Canada averages 73 snowmobile-related deaths each year, 89% percent of those fatalities being male, and 29% are 35 to 49 years old.

Riding in the evening or at night is considered a major risk factor while snowmobiling, contributing to around 35% of snowmobile-related deaths each year. Riding at excessive speed is another risky behaviour, accounting for 34% of deaths. The most common risk factors seen in snowmobiling fatalities are the consumption of drugs and alcohol, contributing to 49% of deaths while snowmobiling.

Forty-six percent of snowmobiling deaths are caused by a collision between a snowmobile and a stationary object.

This article's cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.

  • Jenna Pearl
  • Contributing Writer

    Jenna Pearl (she/her) is a contributing writer and former editorial fellow at MTL Blog. When she isn't blogging and ghostwriting, she can be found haunting the local thrift shops and cafés. Among other publications, her work has been featured in Cosmopolitan Magazine, MarieClaire.com, and the Montreal Gazette.

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