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- Speeding: <\/strong>Forest roads demand slower speeds. Loose gravel, narrow turns, and poor visibility make speeding a recipe for disaster. Even a small skid can send your vehicle into the trees or over a steep edge. Drive with caution, adjusting your speed to road conditions.<\/li>\n
- Distracted driving<\/strong>: Skip eating or texting while driving \u2013 wildlife and forestry vehicles demand full attention. Fatigue is also a big concern on forest roads, especially after long hours. Stay alert and save the snacks and scrolling for later.<\/li>\n
- Impairment: <\/strong>Alcohol, drugs, or fatigue dull reflexes\u2014don\u2019t risk it. With narrow passages, limited traction, and unexpected obstacles, sharp reflexes are essential.<\/li>\n
- Skipping the seatbelt:<\/strong> You might feel tempted to forgo a seatbelt when you\u2019re just \u201ctaking it slow\u201d on these rough roads. But unpredictable surfaces and sudden stops mean that seatbelts are as essential in the forest as they are on the highway.<\/li>\n
- Relying only on radio communications:<\/strong> Radio communication is crucial, but it can\u2019t replace vigilance. Radios are essential for hearing other drivers\u2019 locations, but they won\u2019t always alert you to sudden obstacles or wildlife.<\/li>\n
- Stopping in the wrong place:<\/strong> It\u2019s tempting to pull over and admire a great view or snap a photo of wildlife, but doing so on a bridge, a curve, or narrow stretch of road is dangerous. Pull over in wide, visible areas – not on curves or bridges.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
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Extra challenges of collisions on forest roads<\/strong><\/p>\n
\u201cAccidents on forest roads are more dangerous than on highways,\u201d says Serratore. \u201cEmergency services can take hours to arrive, and poor cell service makes calling for help difficult. Vehicles involved in crashes can catch fire, posing risks to occupants and the environment. If you\u2019re driving alone, an emergency kit and survival supplies are a must.\u201d<\/p>\n
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Forest roads are not highways<\/strong><\/p>\n
\u201cForest roads differ significantly from provincial highways,\u201d says Serratore. \u201cMany people expect similar conditions, but they\u2019re in for a surprise.\u201d Here\u2019s what makes forest roads so unique:<\/p>\n
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- Washboard surfaces and large rocks<\/strong>: You\u2019ll encounter surfaces that can jolt your vehicle or make it skid, so prepare to grip the wheel tightly.<\/li>\n
- Soft shoulders and washouts<\/strong>: Some forest roads have shoulders that are soft or eroded. Avoid getting too close to the edge, as it can give way.<\/li>\n
- Wildlife and road users<\/strong>: From moose to logging trucks, you\u2019ll encounter many unexpected \u201croad users.\u201d Drive carefully, as these encounters can happen without warning.<\/li>\n
- Dust, snow, and mud<\/strong>: Conditions change quickly, especially with Canada\u2019s unpredictable weather. Be ready for limited visibility, slippery conditions, and even snow in unexpected places.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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Legal responsibilities for employers and workers<\/strong><\/p>\n
\u201cEmployers and workers both play a role in maintaining safety on forest roads,\u201d says Serratore. A few essential practices help ensure that all workers, supervisors, and employers fulfil their responsibilities. Employers should:<\/p>\n
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- Use the Internal Responsibility System<\/strong>: In Ontario, workplace safety is a shared responsibility. Employers need to identify what drives risky behaviour and address these issues. Whether it\u2019s tight schedules or tough quotas, work pressures should not compromise safety.<\/li>\n
- Maintain strong health and safety systems with regular training and protocols<\/strong>: Employers should put a strong health and safety system in place. This includes regularly reviewing and updating safety protocols, conducting training and audits, and ensuring that all workers know the best practices for driving on forest roads.<\/li>\n
- Ensure accountability and training<\/strong>: Ensure drivers are trained on defensive driving, cargo securement, and radio communication. Employers should clearly outline everyone\u2019s responsibilities to ensure all users understand how to stay safe on forest roads.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
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Working together to make forest roads safer<\/strong><\/p>\n
\u201cWhether you\u2019re a logging truck driver, a forestry worker, or a weekend explorer, we all share the goal of getting home safely,\u201d says Serratore. \u201cForest roads offer some of Ontario\u2019s most beautiful landscapes, but these roads demand respect, caution, and teamwork from everyone who uses them. \u201c<\/p>\n
With these guidelines in mind, your forest road journey can be both safe and enjoyable. So, buckle up, stay alert, and embrace the beauty of Ontario\u2019s forests\u2014safely.<\/p>\n
Chris Serratore, Director of Health and Safety Services at Workplace Safety North, warns that forest access roads are far more dangerous than highways. With fewer signs, tight turns, and shared use by wildlife and heavy logging trucks, recreational users need to stay alert. Whether you\u2019re working or exploring, being prepared and driving cautiously can save lives.<\/p>\n
- Maintain strong health and safety systems with regular training and protocols<\/strong>: Employers should put a strong health and safety system in place. This includes regularly reviewing and updating safety protocols, conducting training and audits, and ensuring that all workers know the best practices for driving on forest roads.<\/li>\n
- Soft shoulders and washouts<\/strong>: Some forest roads have shoulders that are soft or eroded. Avoid getting too close to the edge, as it can give way.<\/li>\n
- Distracted driving<\/strong>: Skip eating or texting while driving \u2013 wildlife and forestry vehicles demand full attention. Fatigue is also a big concern on forest roads, especially after long hours. Stay alert and save the snacks and scrolling for later.<\/li>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/wawa-news.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Screen-Shot-2024-12-10-at-9.03.44-AM.png\")
<\/a>This crash shows how dangerous forest roads can be if people don\u2019t take the right safety measures. Every year, serious accidents happen on these roads. In 2020, there were 15 snowmobile deaths and 168 injuries both on and off-highway. Forest roads have sharp turns, wild animals, logging trucks, and no cell phone service, so drivers need to stay focused and ready for anything. To stay safe, slow down and always be prepared for the unexpected.<\/p>\n