Poles behave extremely dangerously. We explain why

Winter holidays are just starting, so Poles will move to popular winter resorts. Many of us will use this time to ski or snowboarding. The ski season is, of course, a time of relaxation and fun on the slopes, but also a moment when it is worth remembering about safety – yourself and others.

Skiing or snowboarding after alcohol may seem harmless, but in fact it is not only irresponsible, but also unlawful in many countries, including Poland. Does the police control skiers with breathalyzer? What penalties threaten for driving under the influence of alcohol? We explain.

Alcohol on the slopes. Why is this a problem?

Skiing and snowboarding are sports that require good coordination, quick reflexes and the ability to assess the situation. Alcohol consumption reduces these abilities, which increases the risk of accidents, both for a drunk person and other slope users. In a state of intoxication, it is easier to lose balance, incorrect assessment of distance or speed, which can lead to collisions and serious injuries.

Is it possible to ride alcohol in Poland?

In Poland, skiing or snowboarding under the influence of alcohol is prohibited. Although the regulations in this area are not yet as restrictive as in the Alpine countries, the police and order services have the right to intervene in the event of dangerous behavior on the slopes. Drunken skiers are threatened with a fine, the amount of which can be from PLN 20 to even PLN 500. In the event of an accident, a person under the influence of alcohol may be held to civil and criminal liability.

Sobriety controls on the slopes. What does it look like?

In larger ski resorts in Poland, the police and order services are increasingly conducting sobriety checks. If they notice suspicious or dangerous behavior, they can examine a breathalyzer skier. These controls are aimed at improving safety and limiting the number of accidents caused by intoxicated people.

How is it abroad? Raw recipes in the Alps

In alpine countries such as Austria, Italy or Switzerland, the regulations regarding skiing under the influence of alcohol are much more stringent. Mandates for such behavior can range from several hundred to several thousand euros, and drunk skiers risk the loss of the right to use the lifts. For example, in Austria, the penalty for driving after alcohol is up to EUR 2,000, and if the accident causes a intoxicated person, he can be chosen to be criminal liability.

Why should you keep sobriety on the slopes?

Safety on the slope depends on each of us. Driving under the influence of alcohol is not only a risk of a fine, but above all a threat to health and life. It is worth remembering that winter sport is not a place for bravado. Instead of consuming alcohol before driving, it is better to leave it on après-ski when the equipment is already set aside and the day on the slope is completed.