With so much attention put on the dangers of driving a car while intoxicated, people tend to forget that driving other vehicles under the influence can also be dangerous.
In fact, boating or driving a boat while drunk puts passengers and other people at risk of severe injury as well.
Though boating injuries are less common, they can be equally harmful.
People are less likely to consider the dangers of operating a boat while intoxicated and they are also less likely to know how to safely respond in the event of an accident on the water.
These factors make the drunk driving of a boat a very dangerous situation.
Many states have specific regulations pertaining to the operation of a boat or other water vehicle under the influence of alcohol and drugs.
Just like on land, these substances can impair a person's ability to make crucial decisions that are required to direct and control any vehicle.
Whether a person is operating a barge, boat, personal water vehicle, or any other water vehicle, they are responsible for driving and operating their vehicle with care.
Most states have regulations for what is considered DUI regarding water vehicle that are similar to those that regulate operating a car.
States including Rhode Island and others, have specific acts regarding alcohol and boating.
Generally, a BAC of.
08% or higher is considered drunk driving of a boat; this is the same number used to determine drunk driving in a car.
Like laws for drivers of cars, if a law enforcement officer feels that alcohol has impaired a persons ability to control their vehicle they can be charged with a DUI, despite their BAC.
These charges can be incredibly serious, especially if bodily injury is caused by a BUI-related accident.
If you have been charged with a DUI for operating a water vehicle, you need experienced legal counsel.