Getting MADD over snowmobiles

In a united effort towards eliminating alcohol as a contributing factor in snowmobiling fatalities and injuries, the Canadian Council of Snowmobile Organizations and MADD Canada held a national Zero Tolerance Awareness Day Sunday.

This second annual joint ride will be the anchor event of the International Snowmobile Safety Week which is held the second week of January every year.

Under the slogan Zero Tolerance I Say, Until I am Done for the Day, the two not-for-profit associations are focusing their efforts to remind snowmobilers that a blood alcohol content level of zero is the only acceptable number while operating a snowmobile.

MADD Canada is appealing to its local chapters across Canada and to media to raise the issue of impaired snowmobiling. The snowmobile council is mobilizing its provincial and territorial associations to enlist participation from Canada's 868 snowmobile clubs.

"For several years, the CCSO has endorsed the position that a .08 per cent (alcohol level) is not good enough while engaged in snowmobiling," said CCSO executive director Dennis Burns.

"Alcohol affects your judgment and your reflexes and our zero tolerance position calls for total abstinence from alcohol while operating a snowmobile until you are finished riding for the day. We challenge other motorized recreation organizations to adopt this approach."

MADD Canada's director of programs Wanda Kristensen says the zero tolerance approach is certainly an ideal target.

MADD Canada is currently asking the federal government to lower the Criminal Code blood alcohol level from .08 per cent to .05.

In addition, MADD Canada wants the provincial governments to enact new legislation which will help to increase the powers and resources required for police forces to help eliminate drinking and driving across Canada.

"We don't need any needless deaths or injuries on the snow," said Kristensen. "We're saying have fun while snowmobiling this winter and drive sober."