Driving Drunk…not just cars - boats too!
Every once in a while you hear about some drunken fool getting cited for DUI on a riding lawnmower or bicycle. Of course, it’s dangerous and illegal to do these things when drunk (or high). Yet there’s a far more prevalent danger… boating drunk.
I ran across a website run by the State of Arizona about alcohol and boating, and figured this was a good time of year to say something about it. There’s just something about the heat of a summer day and a lake that says, “Gimme a beer.” And (in moderation) there’s not much wrong with that… unless you’re going to take off in your boat.
Boating Operating Under the Influence is a crime - and it’s deadly. If you are going to drink, do just like you would with your car - designate a sober operator.
Arizona estimates that 50% of all fatal boating accidents in Arizona were alcohol related in 2007!! They say that the national average is around one third of all boating fatalities (perhaps the national average is lower because it’s statistically easier to get into trouble out in the ocean? Just a theory.) If you want more details check out their boating safety report.
Boating drunk is no joke - you could die or kill somebody, and you could also be arrested for operating under the influence. Penalties and the amount it takes to be intoxicated vary from state to state, but why risk it? Just don’t drink and hop in your boat. Don’t be stupid.
You should also take a boating education class. Most states don’t require them, but it’s just smart to do… you’ll learn safety laws and procedures, rules of navigation, etc.
Please remember to Boat Safe, Boat Smart, Boat Sober and take a boating education class in person or even get your Boating Education Online
Check out these videos for even more info:
Boat Sober Commercial:
Boating in Arizona:
