Boating Under The Influence

Driving under the influence of alcohol is extremely dangerous. It only takes one drunk driver to cause an accident that injures or kills one or more people.

But did you know that boating under the influence is every bit as dangerous? This is something that law enforcement continues to fight against.

Here are a few things you should know about boating under the influence:

— The legal blood alcohol content level for operating a boat is .08, which is the same as a motor vehicle.

— Alcohol use can impair a boater’s ability to react in a timely manner.

— When a person is found to be boating under the influence, he or she can be arrested on the spot. Furthermore, their boat may be impounded.

— Alcohol can be dangerous to passengers as well, often leading to accidents such as slips and falls and falling over board.

— Boating under the influence of alcohol is a risk to both the operator as well as others on the water at the same time.

Just the same as drinking and driving, there will always be people who believe it is okay to break the law. They think that boating under the influence is no big deal, and for this reason they continue to do so.

If you are injured in a boating accident in which the other party was drunk, you may be able to receive compensation for your injuries and other damages. Of course, this is not something you should think about until you have fully addressed your injuries.

Source: Operation Dry Water, “About BUI,” accessed July 05, 2016