Boating Accidents Involving Boating Under The Influence

Most citizens know there are various laws in place within each state to protect drivers, passengers and the overall community from drunk drivers. However, some people are unaware there are similar laws involving boating. Both state and federal laws are in place to prohibit Boating Under The Influence (BUI) and these laws permit officials to stop any boat or watercraft to ensure the operator and passengers are safe and sober.

The reason states began enacting Boating Under The Influence laws is due to the rise in alcohol and drug related boating accidents and deaths. In fact, over 50% of the boating accidents which occur, involve drugs or alcohol. According to the Insurance Information Institute alcohol is the leading factor in all fatal boating accidents.

Boating Under The Influence laws apply to those operating a fishing boat, a yacht, personal watercraft, a sailboat, a sailboard or any other watercraft. State laws traditionally define drunk boating crimes as: the operation of a watercraft on a body of water while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Some states include the limits of a blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 percent while others are somewhat higher at 0.1 percent. In some states, the laws state if there is a minor who has been drinking and has any amount of alcohol in their blood-alcohol concentration, a BUI can be given.

A Boating Under The Influence charge can come with serious consequences, financially and legally. The charges can come with expensive fines, jail time, criminal record additions, the loss of a boating or drivers license and a spike in insurance rates.

What To Expect After Getting A BUI

Due to the possible death and injury which can occur during boating accidents, most BUI laws have serious consequences, for both commercial boaters and recreational boaters. Its much more serious than simply getting a traffic ticket.

If you are a recreational boater, you can usually expect to lose your boating license for a short or long term period of time. Sometimes you can also lose your drivers license. The various details involving the offense, such as whether there were minors on board, if this was your first offense or if someone was injured can determine the remaining consequences. A commercial boater who is given a BUI can lose their boating license and their job. Judges commonly also require the boater to go through alcohol and drug counseling.

Avoid Boating Under The Influence Consequences

* Learn The Laws: If you want to stay protected, be sure you are aware of all laws where you are boating. Some states do not allow any open alcohol containers on a boat where others are a bit more flexible in their laws.

* Hire A Lawyer: Immediately after being charged with a BUI you need to contact a lawyer who specializes in boating or maritime cases. It can be very difficult to defend against a BUI charge, so be sure to hire only someone with experience in this area of law.

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