Alcohol Big Factor in Snowmobile Deaths
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Alcohol Big Factor in Snowmobile Deaths Video by nbc26.com
video
HOWARD, WI--The Wisconsin DNR is concerned about the number of snowmobile deaths. They say out of the 15 deaths so far this winter, 11 were alcohol-related.
"We were in Eagle River one year I saw a guy miss a corner because he was drunk and he broke his leg" said snowmobiler Cody Scray.
Cody Scray knows the danger of drinking and snowmobiling.
"I have learned my lesson by seeing people crash. When you're seeing it first hand it is not very good" said Scray.
The D.N.R says impaired judgement is one of the main reasons for fatal crashes. Wardens are always on the lookout for signs of snowmobilers under the influence.
"A person travelling down a trail at 50 miles an hour is not going to have time to see what it is they're going to hit, hit the brakes and then actually stop" said DNR recreational safety warden Jeremy Cords.
Speeding at night, missing a stop sign or slurred words could force a warden to administer field sobriety tests, and get you a citation that could cost $200 or more. To prevent accidents, bar owners take it upon themselves to keep customers safe.
'"I will cut them off from drinking. Ask if I can give them a ride home. Give them a glass of water" said owner of B S's Bar, Sheila Derpinghaus.
And some words of advice from Scray: "Be safe about it make sure your friends are safe."
The D.N.R says if you see someone riding who you suspect is intoxicated, you can call their tip line 1-800-TIPS-WDNR and report them.
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