Snowmobiling dangerous, report says

A report produced by the Canadian Institute for Health Information says snowmobiling is the most dangerous wintertime recreational activity.

Canadian trauma centres reported 137 serious injuries from snowmobile accidents in the winter of 2000-01. Alcohol was a factor in 26 per cent of injuries where blood alcohol levels were measured.

Nearly as many people suffer serious injury from snowmobiling as from cycling, which spans a longer season and more age groups. The report says 18 per cent of serious injuries from recreational activities stem from cycling, while 16 per cent come from snowmobiling. All-terrain vehicles account for 13 per cent of serious injuries from recreational activities.