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Al Brown | Tracking the Seasons
Snowmobiling and driving - not a good mix
So far this winter snowmobilers have been blessed. There has been plenty of snow to keep the trails open, and temperatures have remained cold enough to keep the snow from melting. Add to that the fact there have been no reports so far of snowmobiles being used to run through sitting ducks or to kill and maim deer.
On the other hand, numerous snowmobile operators and passengers have tragically died this winter, the result of collisions or drownings.
During winter 2008-09, Wisconsin recorded 23 snowmobile fatalities. Of that total, 27 percent of the victim operators had consumed alcohol before the accidents, with an average blood alcohol concentration of 0.201.
According to Gary Eddy, Department of Natural Resources (DNR) snowmobile safety administrator, alcohol consumption is a major contributor to many snowmobiling tragedies, which is why state recreational safety specialists are asking snowmobilers to make a critical choice before hitting the snow this winter: Choose to be 100-percent alcohol-free before going snowmobiling and during any ride.
The Wisconsin DNR has endorsed a new international Zero Alcohol campaign that urges every snowmobiler to take personal responsibility for reducing alcohol-related crashes.
"We are strongly encouraging every snowmobiler to commit to riding only with companions who practice Zero Alcohol as part of their own regular safe riding habit," said Eddy.
"This is primarily a peer-pressure campaign. Most snowmobilers already operate responsibly and alcohol-free and return home safely after a ride."
"Although Zero Alcohol is not a legal requirement, the DNR points out that snowmobiling can be a risky activity that can occur on narrow, bumpy, uneven and sometimes icy trails. Consequently, operating a snowmobile requires peak concentration and reactions at all times; even a small amount of alcohol can cause a tragedy," Eddy said.
According to Eddy, conservation wardens around the state will soon disperse Zero Alcohol stickers to snowmobilers and ask them to display them on helmets, snowmobiles, vehicles or anywhere.
In addition to the Zero Alcohol Campaign, a specialized Snowmobile Accident Reduction Team (SART) is being reactivated in Wisconsin through next winter to reduce crashes through enforcement of snowmobile safety laws.
The team will target such activities as speed and alcohol abuse that are associated with fatal accidents, Eddy said.
SART members will include six DNR wardens with six marked snowmobiles. They will patrol high snowmobile use areas into February.
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