Sue, I believe that snowmobilers should have to blow into a breathalizer tube to determine if they are sober enough to be operating their vehicles, if not the snowmoblie should not be able to start. This would solve the problem equitably for everyone, thank you. Richard Simons
----------
Since there are basically non-existent penalties for drinking and snowmobiling, atv riding, and boating, maybe it is time to do like Canada does and revoke the driver's license of the offender and confiscate the vehicle. It's long past time to stop being so lenient.
----------
It's a sad fact but snowmobiling should not be singled out as the problem. Drinking is the problem and is in many other activities such as boating, golf, skiing, bowling, etc. Many people do not think that drinking excessively can be a problem and just happen to be doing some activity where excessive drinking will result in unintended consequences. No amount of laws, regulations, or programs will overcome the lack of personal responsibility shown by those who desire to ruin activities by overindulging.
----------
Snowmobiling should be made illegal. It is a pointless activity anyway.
----------
Sue, I truely feel that if an individual is going to drink and drive any type of motorized vehicle that he/she is responsible for his/her own actions. Nobody is holding them down pouring the contents down their throats. It is their hand lifting it to their mouth. To sit there and blame everthing on everyone else is crazy. I think our society has morphed into this way of life that no one should be responsible for what they do. The law gives these offenders 2nd, 3rd, 4th or 5th chances. But what about the victims??? Where are their 2nd, 3rd, 4th or 5th chances? Where are the families of these victims chances? I really think society needs to be more accountable for their own actions. Thanks for letting me express my opinion on this matter and hopefully if one person reads your blog, they take this reply to heart and it saves at least one life and a family from a life of pain and suffering.
Bobbi
----------
Im personally tired of softhearted liberals trying to protect everything and everybody,we already have too many laws,we are slowly loosing all our rights as americans,this is a matter of personal choice, if you want to take a chance on injuring yourself,that should be your choice,just like mountain climbing and sky diving,im sure if you would look at the number of people that die from those two sports,the percentagage have to be astronomical,but nobody crys about that!
Life is hard and people have very few activities left that they can get away and relieve stress with, my god you cant even have 1 beer any longer and you can get it for drunk driving!
what do these liberals think people can do to relieve the tremendous day to day stress life puts on us these days??
----------
Drinking and driving needs much harder punishment all around. Also I do believe they need more patrols out on snowmobiel trails. I like that you are putting so much attention to this matter.
----------
The Blame Game: The Death Of Randy Salerno
by Kerry Thomas
February 4, 2008
The Chicago media have been busy "investigating" the death of a local Chicago news anchor, 45-year-old Randy Salerno, from Crystal Lake, Illinois. Salerno died in a snowmobile accident January 24, when the snowmobile on which he was a passenger missed the trail markers along the shore of Plum Lake and hit several trees.
According to a member of the group with which Salerno was riding on that below zero night, their group had had dinner in Boulder Junction, and were returning to their home in St. Germain, when they took a rest stop at the Sayner Pub. There they had (what all members of the group and the bartender swear was) a single cocktail each.
When the group left the Sayner Pub, the snowmobile driven by Salerno's friend, 44-year-old Scott Hirschey, also from Crystal Lake, wouldn't start. The two men climbed aboard Salerno's snowmobile, which was designed for just one person.
Instead of heading south, toward St. Germain, the group went north, out across Plum Lake.
WBBM's website reports, "The snowmobile was speeding across [Plum] lake. It hit a 2- to 3-foot bank, then become airborne for 46 feet before hitting the trees, still 3 feet above the ground."
The initial call for help was made to the Vilas County dispatch center around 11:40 pm. The caller indicated 2 accident victims, one of whom was unresponsive, on the snowmobile trail "just south of Sayner." This confusion resulted in a delay, as rescue personnel began their search for the accident victims. When the first rescuer got to the scene, it was after midnight.
Salerno was pronounced dead at the accident scene. Hirschey was severely injured in the crash, and suffered a concussion, broken ribs and a lacerated liver.
According to published reports, Hirschey, the driver of the snowmobile, refused a breathalyzer test at the accident scene. Four hours after the accident, blood tests showed Hirschey still had a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.225%. A second blood test showed a BAC of 0.183%. (In Wisconsin, a person with a BAC higher than 0.08% is considered legally intoxicated.)
Department of Natural Resources (DNR) warden Tim Price, who investigated the accident, said, "Falling down drunk, no, he wasn't...[Hirschey] was impaired to the point that he needed help getting to the truck, whether that was a result of drinking or the traumatic experience or a combination of both."
Hirschey has been charged with homicide by intoxicated use of a vehicle.
So now the Chicago media are busy playing the blame game in the death of their colleague, investigating "the snowmobile culture" here in Northern Wisconsin.
One of their reports asks, "How safe is snowmobiling in Wisconsin?" I'd answer that it's safer than walking the streets of Chicago.
There's more than enough blame to go around. To try to blame Randy Salerno's death on any one cause, or on "the snowmobile culture" only serves the self-interests of these media whores, whose only real concern seems to be using their colleague's death to keep this story alive for one more news cycle.
That was clearly evident in WBBM's February 4 undercover investigation "Alarming Upswing of Snowmobile Deaths In Wis" (reminiscent of a Geraldo Rivera over-dramatized self-aggrandizing report).
Dave Savini and his hidden camera team reported "It's an adventure that can take you from the mundane to the majestic in seconds. Thrilling rides across frozen lakes and winding trails; powerful snowmobiles reaching speeds of up to 120 mph. And if that's not enough, just follow the signs and bright lights to a night life centered around luring riders and their wallets a few feet away from the trails, into a world of drinking games and half priced specials."
"These trails are loaded with bars where our hidden cameras found the drinks are flowing and there's little regard for safety. In fact, when we rented our snowmobiles, we were given a map showing us the way to every saloon, pub and tavern along the most fatal trails in Wisconsin."
"We saw safety conscious riders by day, but by late at night things began to change. The two investigators used hidden cameras to expose what has been described as an epidemic in Northern Wisconsin."
So what else did this "award-winning" team of undercover reporters discover about the "snowmobile culture" here in Northern Wisconsin?
They discovered snowmobile enthusiasts flock to Northern Wisconsin for the best snowmobiling in the Midwest.
They discovered that when they rented snowmobiles, they were given a free map of the local trail system, a map that also showed the locations of the businesses whose advertising paid for their free map. And some of these businesses included taverns, pubs and bars.
They discovered sometimes snowmobilers patronize these local businesses, including the aforementioned taverns, pubs and bars.
They discovered that people in taverns, pubs and bars will, on occasion, consume an alcoholic beverage or two. Sometimes more than one or two.
All in all, their undercover investigation was only slightly more revealing than the secret of Al Cap[one's vault.
There is no doubt, speed and alcohol were factors in Salerno's death. As of January 29, there have been 15 people who have died in snowmobile-related accidents in Wisconsin this snowmobile season. According to the DNR, speed and/or alcohol were factors in 100% of those deaths.
One WBBM story notes "Price says there were other factors involved in the crash: potentially blinding clouds of snow kicked up by the snowmobiles they were following, and unfamiliar terrain. Alcohol, he says, left Hirschey somewhat impaired, but not incapacitated, as the blood alcohol level would seem to imply."
A separate WBBM report says, "Randy's friends say none of the group, which had been together all day, saw Scott drinking excessively, or displaying any sign of impairment."
At least two WBBM reports mention the trail markers along the shore of Plum Lake were not clearly visible, that the trail was not clearly marked. These reports fail to mention that the route Salerno's group took that night across Plum Lake was not part of the official snowmobile trail system. It was a shortcut, a "local route" not maintained as part of the trail system.
There are other factors to be considered, too.
Before he left for this trip, Randy Salerno told colleagues that this would be his first time snowmobiling. While he was wearing a helmet, he did not have a snowmobile safety certificate.
There are still many questions surrounding the circumstances of this death. A trial is almost certain to follow in this case.
I think this WBBM quote sums it up best: "Scott Hirschey has been forgiven by the family and defended by those who were there."
Randy Salerno's death was tragic. Could it have been prevented? Probably. But it wasn't. One man is dead; his friend faces charges in that death.
----------
I understand some people feel the only person that is affected by a snowmobiler drinking & then wrapping themself around a tree is that sole person, but that's just not true. The law enforcement, EMTs & first responsers are people too & no matter how many pieces they have picked up or how many years they've been doing it, they are also affected & then some of them bring that home & so on & so on. And then, of course, there's the family & friends that have to live their lives wondering, what if....
----------
no matter what people do these days there is always alcohol involved. sometimes people just dont know when to much is enough. i know even if the consiquences become worse it wont stop alot of those people from drinking and driving so i think no matter what people try to do about it, nothing will change.
----------
I think we are already smothered with laws on drinking & driving reguardless of what you drive its got the same limits .08. It doesn't matter what you drive the fact is a percentage of people are going to over indulge & drive, they alone should be held responsable for there actions, ultimatly knowing your limits is your own job. The problem I have is that do to the small percentage that abuse, spoil it for everyone else. Bill
----------
For everyone killed on a snowmobile how many are left critically injured or injured for life
----------
The power of modern snowmobiles must also be considered a huge factor. These machines have a ridiculous amount of power. Alchohol, a high performance machine plus the natural tendencies for young men to compete and you have a deadly mix. It almost seems like the manufacturers of these machines have lost their minds. What are they thinking when they produce and sell these machines to young men who think they're invincible and really don't comprehend the risks they are taking? I'm actually surprised there aren't more fatalities.
"Snowmobiling, the last unregulated speed sport."
----------
There's a definite need to get the state of Wisconsin to admit we have a huge drinking problem that's supported from the governor on down. Just as your story showed a bar-owner laughing about drinking a few too many; it's become a very tolerable joke in the state and elsewhere. If the governor wants to make money by slapping a huge tax on cigarettes, he should go ahead and do the same on alcohol. Can you imagine the extra money we'd have in this state! If the people think drinking is no big deal, than should they have a problem if they get taxed. If it's fair for the smoker, it should be fair for the drinker.Afterall, they both affect our health and the health and lives of others. Let's get their attention through the pocketbook,or is it simply, such a huge money making industry in this state that everyone's willing to look away, ignore the problem, just to keep the dollars rolling in. What really is the bottom line and the attitude of those who are suppose to look out for the people. Ask the families of alcoholics are they're affected? It's a huge problem, long ignored, all for the sake of a good time.
----------
How can you blame the bartenders. They are just doing their job. Not to babysit another ADULT.. If you blame the alcohol related accidents on the bartender. Than you should blame our obesity problem on the high school student checking out your groceries, or at your local McDonald's.. Adults are responsible for their own actions, not someone else.
----------
Bartenders should not be to blame, however not all people that drink know their limit, and in that case the bartender can refuse service, but theres always the next bar.
----------
Why is it we don't hear what Mr. Salerno's blood alcohol level was. I have a hard time believing that he wasn't as drunk as his friend was. It's hard to feel any kind of compassion for anyone who basically kills themselves.
----------
Hey Sue, I think its a matter of personal responsiblity. We did our share of snowmobiling, most of the time we even took the kids with, we bar hopped, eating and drinking (not always alcohol) we all had a blast. After a few close calls of some idiot flying around a corner at you, we decided to (sadly) get rid of them. There is no reason for a snowmobile to go 100+ miles an hour. With that speed and liquid courage (alcohol) and finaly getting snow this year, I fear there will be more accidents.
----------
Sue, many of the other people who have responded have hit on all of my thoughts. The areas I would like to stress are BAD MEDIA!!! and Speed. It is very upsetting when you report a story and only stress the "A" Word(alcohol). Or when there is a car accident,you will never say "the occupent died and they WERE wearing there seat belt". I truly beleive that there is no room on the trails for any sleds over 500cc. What it all comes down to is common sense. We are all resposable for our own behavior.
----------
Snowmobiling is a passion to many people in the area, including myself. As a past Association of Wisconsin Snowmobile Clubs (AWSC) Miss Snowflake 2005-06, it was part of my responsibility to talk to snowmobilers about their personal responsibilities on the trails.
Thousands of people snowmobile in our state each year, bringing in millions of dollars to the Wisconsin economy. There have been 15 deaths this year. Many of these deaths are believed to be caused by the use of alcohol. However, more laws, or pointing fingers at area bartenders is not the answer. It is each snowmobiler's personal responsibility to keep the sport of snowmobiling as safe as it can be.
If snowmobilers want to find ways to keep our snowmobile trails safe, there is one thing they can do. Join an area snowmobile club. Most trails in Wisconsin are maintained by clubs. These snowmobile clubs are all linked by the AWSC, which has people that go to our state capitol to pass laws that keep our trails safe.
By joining a snowmobile club, each person comes that much closer to making a difference. In an election year, everyone is trying to find ways to make their voices heard. While the issue of making snowmobiling safer isn't an election issue, joining a snowmobile club does make people's voices heard.
Members of snowmobile clubs are trying their best to keep the sport of snowmobiling alive and safe in Wisconsin. These members should be spotlighted, not the careless people who ruin snowmobilers images.
Death by snowmobile is a terrible thing, but these deaths could have been averted by sheer snowmobiler responsibility and following laws that were passed to ensure snowmobiler safety. If people want more laws or changes to be made when it comes to snowmobiling, join a local club and make your voice heard.
Amanda K.
Save
Email
Print
del.icio.us 
Google
Yahoo 
digg
Terms of Use -
Privacy Policy -
EEO Statement