Recreational safety tips from MADD

SAFETY IN EVERY SEASON

Boating   |   ATV/UTV   |    Snowmobiling

Safe Adventures Ahead:

Tips To Help You Stay Safe While Operating Recreational Vehicles In Every Season

Boating:

  • Always wear a life jacket that is properly fitted and ensure everyone on board has one.
  • Check the weather forecast before boating and avoid going out in bad weather or rough water conditions.
  • Be aware of your surroundings and watch for other vessels, swimmers, and obstacles.
  • Never drink alcohol or use drugs while operating a boat and avoid these substances if you plan to drive a vehicle after boating.
  • Ensure that your boat is properly maintained and in good working condition.
  • Carry appropriate safety equipment, such as flares, a whistle, and a fire extinguisher.
  • A responsible boater will always refuse to let an intoxicated or impaired person take the helm.
  • When you operate a boat, you accept responsibility for the boat, for the safety of your passengers and for others out enjoying the water.
Recreational safety tips for boating

ATV/UTV:

  • Always wear a helmet that is properly fitted.
  • Avoid drinking alcohol before or while driving an ATV/UTV, because alcohol can impair judgement and response time.
  • Wear appropriate protective gear, including boots, gloves, and eye protection.
  • Keep your speed in check for the terrain, visibility conditions and your experience.
  • Never ride with more passengers than there are seats.
  • Take a safety course or training program to learn how to safely operate an ATV/UTV.
Recreational safety tips for off-roading

Snowmobiling:

  • Check the weather and trail conditions before heading out.
  • Avoid riding alone and let someone know your planned route and expected return time.
  • Avoid alcohol or drug use before or during snowmobiling.
  • Stay on marked trails and avoid areas with thin ice or unstable terrain.
  • Stay to the right; almost every trail is two-way. Obey all trail signs and cross roadways with caution.
Recreational safety tips for snowmobiling

Don't Risk It

Boating Under the Influence (BUI) Penalties

Boating under the influence penalties can range from a fine and/or imprisonment to suspension or revocaton of boating privileges. In some states, a BUI conviction can also result in a DUI conviction, which can lead to additional penalties, such as a suspended driver’s license.

ATV/UTV Impaired Driving Penalties

Driving an ATV or snowmobile while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is treated similarly to driving a motor vehicle while under the influence and can carry similar penalties. These penalties can vary, but may include fines, jail time, and the suspension or revocation of your driving privileges.

Numbers You Should Know.....

RIDING UNDER THE INFLUENCE:
  • FROM 2017 – 2021, OVER 500,000 ER VISITS WERE ASSOCIATED WITH OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLES
  • THERE WERE 419 FATALITIES IN 2021
  • 83% OF FATALITIES ARE MALE
  • 2/3 FATALITIES INVOLVE A ROLLOVER

    Consumer Product Safety Commission 2022 

     

BOATING UNDER THE INFLUENCE:
  • IN 2022, ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION WAS THE #1 CONTRIBUTING FACTOR IN FATAL BOATING CRASHES
  • BUI WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR 270 CRASHES, 107 DEATHS, AND 204 INJURIES
  • 85% OF DROWNING VICTIMS AREN’T WEARING A LIFE VEST

    Recreational Boating Statistics 2022