ZERO
TOLERANCE
In an effort to eliminate alcohol as a major contributing
factor in snowmobiling fatalities and injuries, the
snowmobiling community unanimously adopted a "Zero
Tolerance" position on drinking and riding. At the
International Snowmobile Congress in June, 2002, the
snowmobile organizations endorsed a 0.0 percent blood
alcohol content as the only acceptable level while riding a
snowmobile.
The incidence of alcohol involvement in preventable
snowmobiling fatalities and injuries is well documented,
with the highest proportion of alcohol-related snowmobile
crashes occurring at night among 19-34 year old males. This
behavior is unacceptable to most snowmobilers … responsible,
family people who do not drink and ride, so the snowmobile
community launched the "Zero Tolerance while Snowmobiling
Campaign". It is meant to reinforce and complement existing
safety initiatives such as public education,
policy/legislation and enforcement already in place in many
jurisdictions across the country.
One of the images that the general public has about our
sport is that all snowmobilers drink alcohol while operating
their snowmobiles. And, as we all know, that is not the
truth!! This image is perceived due to a high majority of
fatal accidents, as well as other accidents, involving the
snowmobile operator's use of alcohol. We need to change this
image.
The Zero Tolerance program is voluntary!! It is not a
mandatory program and does nothing to reduce current state
laws that set the legal blood alcohol level. It is hoped
that peer pressure will prevail and that snowmobilers will
not ride with those who have consumed alcohol.
Do the right thing - |
 What will zero tolerance mean for the sport of snowmobiling?
It will mean that every snowmobiler will be asked to take
the "Zero Tolerance Pledge". The pledge will be one that
says, "Zero Tolerance I Say, 'til I'm Done For the Day." The
individual will not consume alcohol of any type while
operating a snowmobile, until the snowmobile day is done.
Don't
drink until the snowmobile is parked for the day! |
