Hitting The Water in San Diego and Knocking A Few Drinks Back With Friends Is A Timeless Classic, But Most People Don't Realize The Dangerous Risks Involved With Operating A Boat Under The Influence in California Until It Is Too Late.
Drinking and hitting the water is a classic pastime, but most people don't realize the dangerous risks involved with operating a boat under the influence until it is too late. With temperature reaching triple digits, boaters need to realize that they have other "stressors" that can affect their judgment and driving ability.
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.
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
When combined with warm weather, increased risk taking and a lower response time, head and alcohol can be a dangerous risk. Hot weather can magnify the effects of alcohol and cause dehydration or head exhaustion. Most people think they are fine because they have beer and alcohol. They do not realize that though they are drinking, they are not hydrating.
Alcohol is a diuretic and interferes with your ability to regulate temperature. It can also dilate or expand your blood vessels, increasing the risk of passing out.
How To Measure What You Drink
Generally, a standard drink includes any of the following:
- 12 ounces of regular beer of wine cooler
- 8 ounces of malt liquor
- 5 ounces of wine
- 1.5 ounces of 80-proof distilled spirits of liquor
When you are out on the water, watch what you drink and limit yourself to one drink an hour if you are operating a vessel. If you decide to have more drinks, then designate someone sober to take the helm.
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.
