Snowmobiling While Drunk: New Michigan Bill Takes Tougher Stance

People most commonly associate drunk driving with traditional vehicles like cars and trucks, but you need to remember that operating a snowmobile under the influence is still drunk driving. Snowmobiling can be a convenient way to tool around a bit in winter weather. But snowmobiles are still powerful machines. And, as accident attorneys in a state like Michigan, unfortunately we know all too well that when you combine a snowmobile, alcohol, winter weather, and perhaps too much revelry, this spells danger. 

Every year, snowmobilers injure themselves or others in snowmobiling accidents. Common snowmobiling accidents include:

• Crashing into people or stationary objects
• Falling through icy bodies of water
• Losing control of the snowmobile
• Colliding with automobiles or other recreational vehicles

Statistics show that alcohol or drug use is involved in the majority of accidents. It may be tougher to conclude that alcohol is the sole reason for an accident, but studies have shown that even one drink can impair judgment. For instance, a person who might not normally decide to race an automobile or speed down icy hills might feel uninhibited enough to take the risk after drinking. 

New Bill Unifies Intoxication Limits for Cars, Snowmobiles, and Boats

The Michigan Senate unanimously passed a package of bills last Tuesday that would unify application of intoxication laws for automobiles and recreational vehicles—snowmobiles and boats. Up until this last week, penalties for drunk driving were stiffer and blood alcohol level (BAC) limits were lower for drivers than for snowmobilers and boaters. In 2013, Gov. Snyder signed into law a bill to lower the BAC limit for automobile operators to .08% but did not similarly lower the limit for snowmobilers and boaters. So while drivers only had to test .08% BAC to exceed the legal limit, snowmobilers and boaters had to test .10%. The new bill would bring the threshold BAC level for snowmobilers and boats down to .08%. 

As a matter of policy, the differing BAC limits seemed to indicate that operating a snowmobile or boat is less dangerous and is potentially an alternative when you are too drunk to operate your car or truck. The new bill addresses this problematic message and brings penalties and thresholds for snowmobiling in line with those of driving. 

Repeat Violations and Child Endangerment Mean Stricter Penalties

If signed by Michigan Governor Rick Snyder, the new bill would change the law to stiffen penalties and standards when the offender has repeated violations or aggravating factors make a violation worse. For example, if a person is held responsible for operating a snowmobile while intoxicated for a third time, then the third violation would be elevated to a felony. 

The new bill also recognizes that young people are especially at risk in snowmobiling accidents and that the law should do more to protect them. Young people might take more dangerous risks, or they may lack the maturity and experience to safely operate a snowmobile. As a result, the new bill prohibits anyone under age 21 from operating a snowmobile or boat. Furthermore, young children are especially vulnerable when adults inappropriately operate snowmobiles. Adults are ultimately responsible for child safety. The new bill considers drunkenly operating a snowmobile with a passenger under 16 is an aggravating factor, and a misdemeanor charge could be added when there is a child involved. 

This holiday season, make sure you and your loved ones stay safe by not snowmobiling after drinking. In the unfortunate event that you or someone you know has been in a snowmobiling accident, we are here to help. Call our Detroit personal injury attorneys at (800) 638-6722 for a free consultation.