Booze & Boating Never Mix

 Booze & Boating Never Mix

Summer is here! With Father's Day this weekend and the Fourth of July right around the corner, it is more important than ever to ensure you are never mixing any imperative substance and motorized vehicles. Across the nation, Americans will be hitting the roads and waterways to celebrate these holidays. With states opening up and Americans returning to a new "normal" of post-pandemic life, travelers can expect roads to be busier than ever. According to the Bureau of Transportation, studies are reporting an expecting 132 Million Americans to travel during the 4th of July holiday week. With 51% of Americans hitting the roads, it is more important than ever to stay safe and sober while operating any motorized vehicle. 

Warm weather also brings many outdoor activities and people turning to waterways to find relief from the heat. Whether you find yourself traveling to waterways to boat, swim or simply enjoy nature, the Palouse Driver Safety team reminds you to travel safe and sober. Many Americans associate outdoor activities like boating and lake days with the consumption of alcohol. 

Alcohol affects operating a vessel, the same way it does any other vehicle. Boating under the influence is extremely dangerous and unfortunately affects many Americans every year. Not only is boating while drinking dangerous, but it is also illegal. In the state of Washington, boating under the influence leads to a BUI (boating under the influence) charge. Legal implications include up to a year in jail and up to a $5,000 fine. Boating while under the influence is extremely dangerous and is a serious crime. This law also applies to everyone on the water, you don't need to be operating a motor-powered speedboat to be charged with a BUI. You may be operating any watercraft and can be charged with a BUI if you are under the influence. Meaning drunk rafters and kayakers may be charged with a BUI too.

If the legal implications weren't enough to deter you from boating and drinking, remember the dangerous consequences. Mixing boating with alcohol is an extremely dangerous combination and can be deadly. A study was done by the Nevada Department of Wildlife showed, " a study of boating fatalities in four states, 51 percent of the people who died had a blood alcohol content of .04 or more. A Blood alcohol of .10 or more was found in 30 percent of the fatalities." Alcohol is a large contributing factor to boating-related deaths. 

It is also important to remember the sun causes you to perspire, which removes the water from your body but leaves the alcohol in; which can lead to impairment quicker. Always designate a sober driver before operating any motorized vehicle. Not only is it extremely dangerous, but it is also the law in every state. Stay safe this summer and have a great Father's Day and Fourth of July holiday! 

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