Stiffer Penalties for Drunken Snowmobiling?

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Posted: 4:30 PM Mar 23, 2008
Last Updated: 4:38 PM Mar 23, 2008
Reporter: NewsCenter 13 Staff
Email Address: news@weau.com

2 comments

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If you drive a snowmobile while you're drunk, you could soon face stiffer penalties.

The Department of Natural Resources is trying to figure out what would be necessary to have DNR citations for operating a snowmobile under the influence, count on operators' regular driving records.

Currently, citations for such violations only involve fines, and do not affect the drivers' standing with the DOT.

This year, 25 people have died in snowmobile crashes across Wisconsin.

Alcohol was listed as a factor in 16 of them.

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Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

Posted by: Jay Location: Eau Claire on Mar 23, 2008 at 06:45 PM
Get Real! DNR isnt interested in how many deaths there are on snowmobiles. Twenty five deaths this year is a small number compared to automobiles that report higher numbers due to drunk drivers that kill innocent victims. It's VERY sad to see the loss of life regardless of the circumstances. Snowmobilers know the risks, sober or after a few drinks. First, they ride a machine with little protection. Second, the headlight placement is such that they dont provide enough light for long range view at night. Lastly, some accidents are unavoidable drunk or sober(Deer, trails like washboards,or very rutted and high speeds). Attaching the violation to the drivers license is just another mode of controlling people and what they do. DNR is looking at the big dollars to be generated for their department in the end.

Posted by: Rodney Location: Oshkosh on Mar 23, 2008 at 05:43 PM
Drunk driving offenses should in fact go on your driving record but not only for snowmobiles but for all recreational vehicles including boats,atv's,and pwc's. The number of fatalities and accidents have gone down in Michigan and Minnesota as a result of drunk driving offenses being listed on your driving record if you are stopped on a snowmobile. You can verify the information if you go to each states DNR website. Wisconsin has the greatest trail network in the nation with over 25,000 miles of groomed trails. Let's keep them safe so everyone returns home to their family at the end of the day. The person killed isn't neccessarily the drunk driver but sometimes the innocent victim coming down the trail the other way. A fatality not only affects the victim but family and friends also. The majority of the snowmobiling community is all for this change. You hear all to often that people only ride during the day because there are too many drunks out at night. www.sadr-wi.com

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