Snowmobiling Tip: For Fatalities, Add Alcohol
Fresh Air Educators 03.01.12
It should not come as a big surprise that drinking has been linked to many serious snowmobile accidents over the years. But the annual fatality and accident reports issued by state agencies drive this point home. We took a look at the numbers to see the difference a few drinks can make.
The following chart uses numbers from the Minnesota Fatal Snowmobile Accident Report, the New York State Snowmobile Accident Report Summary, and the Wisconsin Snowmobile Enforcement & Safety Report, all from 2009-2010.
Across the three states, 34 out of 54, or 63%, of snowmobile fatalities involved alcohol. Conclusion? To greatly reduce your chance of becoming a statistic in one of these reports, stick with hot chocolate at the tavern.
