The Dangers of Alcohol and Boating

Boating and alcohol consumption have proved time and time again to be a dangerous and deadly combination. While having a few beers on the lake with some friends usually sounds like a good idea, the lack of a designated boat driver could turn this joyous outing into a tragic afternoon or evening. Boats are motorized vehicles, just like cars, so sober individuals should always operate them. Boating while intoxicated can seriously injure or even kill other, innocent lake-goers.

How Alcohol Affects the Body

Alcohol consumption temporarily inhibits the consumer’s normal physical and cognitive abilities. Depending on the amount one consumes, he or she may experience any of the following effects:

• Vision impairment
• Slower reaction time
• Diminished judgment and cognitive abilities
• Inability to balance
• Nausea and vomiting
• Loss of consciousness

Because alcohol has such a limiting effect on one’s ability to safely function, boat drivers are prohibited from operating their vehicles with a blood alcohol content level above 0.08%.

How Alcohol Consumption Endangers Others

Because boating is considered to be a recreational activity, and not one that is as closely policed by law enforcement officers as driving is, many people opt to consume alcohol while engaged in this activity. The truth is, however, that intoxicated boaters actually pose more of a threat to other people than intoxicated drivers. Due to extraneous factors that are present during vessel operation, it takes much less alcohol to render a boat driver unfit for vehicle operation.

Alcohol consumption may cause drivers to be less aware of their surroundings and therefore collide with another object, land feature, or boat. Even intoxicated passengers are at risk, since they are more likely to lose balance and fall overboard, where they may be hit by another boat or even drown.

Contact Us

If you or someone you love has been injured by an intoxicated boat operator, then you have the right to demand damages. Contact the Las Vegas personal injury lawyers of William Palmer & Associates, P.C. today at 702-888-2222 to speak with an experienced attorney about your situation.