Boating And Alcohol in California Can Be A Deadly Mix. San Diego Boaters Often Underestimate The "Stressors," Putting Themselves, Their Passengers, And Others Out In The Water At Risk.
Boating and alcohol can be a deadly mix in California's waters. The motion, vibration, engine noise, sun, wind, and spray of being out in the water in San Diego can speed a drinker's impairment. This makes it difficult to coordinate, judge, and react to other boats, swimmers, and other obstacles.
In 2005, there were over 1.6 million hospitalizations and over 4 million emergency room visits for alcohol-related conditions. During summer, unintended accidents and injuries can happen more than we thing. This includes traffic injuries, falls, drowning, burns, firearm injuries, and head exhaustion.
Alcohol Use was also Associated with:
- Nearly 50% Of all water recreation injuries for both teens and adults
- 20% of all water recreation related deaths
- Nearly 50% of pedestrian related deaths
- 276 boating accidents in 2008, which led to 124 deaths and 246 serious injuries
When people decide to drink and operate a boat, they can misjudge their physical abilities and judgment. As a result, you, your passengers, and other boaters out on the water are put at risk.
Effects of Alcohol on Boating
- Diminished Coordination, Balance, and Physical Abilities
- Impaired Attention and Judgment
- Reduced Inhibitions, Increased Risk Taking
- Impaired Vision Including
- Reduced Depth Perception
- Reduced Reaction Time
- Aggression
In addition to this, warm weather can magnify the effects of alcohol and cause dehydration or head exhaustion.
The Legal Consequences
The State of California prohibits anyone from operating a vessel while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. Though the federal legal limit is .08% Blood Alcohol Contact (BAC), you can be charged with boating under the influence (BUI) at .05%.
Similar to a DUI, a BUI is a misdemeanor and could result in suspension or revocation of your driver's license, could carry a penalty of one year in the county jail, a fine not to exceed $1,000, or probation. The consequences are even steeper if it causes injury or wrongful death.
Contact a Boating Accident Attorney
If you or someone you love was injured in a recreational boating accident due to someone else's negligence, you are entitled to receive compensation that covers your medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. Remember, drinking while boating is against the California law and has steep consequence.
If an accident occurs, the State of California requires vessel operators to report the incident to the California Department of Boating and Waterways (CDBW). Our experienced San Diego boat accident attorneys at Jurewitz Law Group will make sure that you get the compensation you need and deserve. Call our personal injury office at (888) 233-5020.
Have you been injured in an accident in San Diego or anywhere in California and don't know what to do next? We are here to help and provide you with the important and relevant information you need to make an informed decision about:
- How to handle your personal injury claim
- Who is the right injury accident attorney to help you with your case, and
- Whether you even need to hire a lawyer to help you with your insurance claim
Call the Jurewitz Law Group at 888-233-5020 to order one of our free California personal injury books to get the information you need or to set up a free consultation with one of our experienced San Diego personal injury attorneys.
