Citation

Beirness DJ, Mayhew DR, Simpson HM. Proc. Int. Counc. Alcohol Drugs Traffic Safety Conf. 1995; 1995: 899-904.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1995, The author(s) and the Council, Publisher International Council on Alcohol, Drugs and Traffic Safety)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

While the incidence of alcohol involvement in highway crashes has been well-documented, considerably less attention has been paid to the role of alcohol in fatal crashes involving off-road vehicles. Alcohol is commonly consumed in conjunction with recreational activities. If the use of a motor vehicle is involved, the risk of crash involvement would undoubtedly increase. This presentation examines the incidence of alcohol use among fatally injured operators of one particular class of vehicles - snowmobiles. The presentation will examine data on fatal snowmobile crashes in Canada from 1987 through 1992. During this period, a total of 497 persons died in such crashes. Fatally injured drivers accounted for 82 percent of this total; passengers represented 13 percent and pedestrians 5 percent. Among fatally injured drivers who were tested for alcohol, 79 percent had been drinking. The characteristics of the crashes and the drivers involved will be examined. The implications of the findings in terms of programs and policies will be highlighted.