Rider Intervention Methods
Alcohol is not digested like other beverages or food. It is absorbed very quickly into the bloodstream and within a few minutes it starts to affect the brain. As a result, the effects of alcohol, even after one drink, will have a detrimental impact not only on a rider’s ability to safely operate a motorcycle, but the ability to make responsible decisions. Since the alcohol impairs the rider’s ability to make a responsible decision for themselves, it requires the effort of others to intervene and prevent the rider from taking a life threatening risk.
Getting involved in an intervention is not something anyone enjoys. Your efforts are seldom appreciated at the time. However, the ultimate payoff of your efforts can be the difference between life and death……and you will never have such a thought on your conscience as, “If only I had…………….”
Here are some suggested rider intervention methods to keep a fellow rider from wrecking their bike, getting arrested, and/or seriously hurting themselves or someone else:
- Enlist the Help of Others – the more people supporting the rider intervention, the better chance of success.
- Keep the Rider at the Location – use any excuse to keep the rider from getting on their motorcycle.
- Keep the Motorcycle Parked – if the rider can’t be controlled, then control the motorcycle. Take the keys or have someone go out to the bike and temporarily disable the motorcycle from starting. (I.e. loosen/remove spark plug leads, disconnect battery, remove ignition fuse etc. Be careful not to cause any damage to the motorcycle.)
- Arrange for a Ride – provide an alternative ride home either by taxi or call a sober friend to pick up the rider by car.
- If No Sober Driver is Available – call Motorcycle Dial-A-Ride, Inc. during service hours at 1-888-DIAL RID(e). Motorcycle Dial-A-Ride, Inc. is a free service available in the state of Minnesota on weekends and holidays from 6:00 PM on Friday through midnight on Sunday.......starting the last weekend of April through the last weekend of October. Including the legal holidays of Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day.
If You Ride, Don't Drink! or If You Drink, Don't Ride!