Wild weather, wildlife, rough terrain, heavy equipment, and limited emergency services
Driving on forest roads is not like driving on highways. These roads are rough, with sharp turns, wildlife, and large trucks. They often don’t have emergency services or cell phone coverage.
Each year, accidents and near misses occur. With help hours away, injuries can quickly turn serious. Whether you’re working or exploring, being prepared and driving cautiously can save lives.
In 2020, Ontario reported 15 snowmobile-related deaths and 168 injuries both on and off highway. While the data doesn’t focus specifically on forest roads, snowmobiles, ATVs, and other recreational vehicles often use these routes. To stay safe, drivers and recreational users need to slow down, stay alert, and be ready for unexpected hazards.
Here’s a few things you need to know to ensure safe travels on forest roads – whether you’re working or exploring.
High-risk behaviours to avoid on forest roads
Let’s start with the “don’ts.” Forest roads present extra challenges, and some behaviours turn these challenges into serious risks. Avoid these high-risk moves to keep yourself and others safe:
1. Speeding
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.
2. Distracted driving
Driving through the forest with a coffee or snack in one hand and GPS, radio or cell phone in the other? Not a good idea. Keep your eyes on the road, and your hands on the wheel at all times – forestry vehicles and equipment, wildlife, and sharp curves can appear out of nowhere.
3. Impaired driving
Whether from alcohol, drugs, or even certain prescription medications, impaired driving is especially dangerous on forest roads. With narrow passages, limited traction, and unexpected obstacles, sharp reflexes are essential. Impaired driving is a definite no-go. Fatigue is also a big concern on forest roads, especially after long hours. Stay alert and save the snacks and scrolling for later.
4. Skipping the seatbelt
You might feel tempted to forgo a seatbelt when you’re just “taking it slow” 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.
5. Relying only on radio communications
Radio communication is crucial, but it can’t replace vigilance. Radios are essential for hearing other drivers’ locations, but they won’t always alert you to sudden obstacles or wildlife. Use the appropriate radio frequency, call your location as you travel, and remain alert.
6. Stopping in the wrong place
It’s tempting to pull over and admire a great view or snap a photo of wildlife, but doing so on a bridge, at a curve, or on a narrow stretch of road is dangerous. Look for a safe place to stop where you’re not putting yourself or others at risk – otherwise, keep moving.
Extra challenges of collisions on forest roads
Getting into a collision on a forest road is different than a typical roadside fender bender. Here’s why:
1. Isolation from help
Forest roads are usually far from urban centres, so emergency services could be hours away. These areas often lack cell service, so you may not even be able to call for help if something goes wrong.
2. Vehicles pose fire hazards
After a crash, vehicle fires are a real risk in forested areas. This not only endangers those involved but also heightens the risk of wildfires, especially in dry seasons.
3. Working or travelling alone
It’s common for drivers to travel solo on forest roads, increasing vulnerability in case of an emergency. An emergency kit, first-aid supplies, and a survival plan are must-haves for anyone travelling alone.
It’s a different kind of road: expect the unexpected
Forest roads differ significantly from provincial highways. Many people expect similar conditions, but they’re in for a surprise. Here’s what makes forest roads so unique:
- Washboard surfaces and large rocks: You’ll encounter surfaces that can jolt your vehicle or make it skid, so prepare to grip the wheel tightly.
- Soft shoulders and washouts: Some forest roads have shoulders that are soft or have been eroded from weather or over time. Avoid getting too close to the edge, as it can give way.
- Wildlife and road users: From moose to logging trucks, you’ll encounter many unexpected “road users.” Drive carefully, as these encounters can happen without warning.
- Dust, snow, and mud: Conditions change quickly, especially with Canada’s unpredictable weather. Be ready for limited visibility, slippery conditions, and even snow in unexpected places.
Legal responsibilities and workplace safety on forest roads
Employers and workers both play a role in maintaining safety on forest roads. A few essential practices help ensure that all workers, supervisors, and employers fulfil their responsibilities:
1. Internal Responsibility System
In Ontario, workplace safety is a shared responsibility. Employers need to identify what drives risky behaviour and address these issues. Whether it’s tight schedules or tough quotas, work pressures should not compromise safety.
2. Health and safety system: Plan, do, check, act
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.
3. Accountabilities and training
Every forest road user should be trained on defensive driving, cargo securement, and radio communication at minimum. Employers should clearly outline everyone’s responsibilities to ensure all users understand how to stay safe on forest roads.
Working together to make forest roads safer
Whether you’re a logging truck driver, a forestry worker, or a weekend explorer, we all share the goal of getting home safely. Forest roads offer some of Ontario’s most beautiful landscapes, but these roads demand respect, caution, and teamwork from everyone who uses them.
For more information, WSN offers an e-learning course for forest workers in English and French, as well as a free safety webinar for recreational users of forests roads. You’re encouraged to share the link to the free webinar with any friends or family members who regularly use forest access roads – it could save a life!
By staying alert, preparing for unexpected conditions, and respecting each other on the road, we can make these shared spaces safer for all. 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’s forests – safely.
Related training
Safe Driving on Forest Roads – Free safety video for recreational users
Safe Driving on Forest Roads (E-learning)
Related news and resources
Behind the wheel: Logging industry experts analyze driving hazards
Northern Ontario forest agency adopts BC-legislated road sign program
Oh, deer! Avoiding wildlife on the highway
White out! Winter driving tips -- on and off the job + Winter driving safety talk