Fatal Boat Accidents Caused By Alcohol – Are You At Risk?

As the weather begins to heat up and the summer months approach, more boaters can be seen out and about. While boating is a recreational activity enjoyed by countless people each year, it is also something that can lead to serious injuries, if certain precautions are not taken. Among these precautions is avoiding boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

According to the U.S. Coast Guard, boating while you are intoxicated is just as deadly as drinking and driving a car. In fact, impairment can happen even faster on a boat, as the sun and environment speed up the effects of alcohol. Sadly, alcohol is cited as a factor in about a third of all recreational boat accident deaths.

Drinking & Driving a Boat Can be Deadly

We all know the problem with drinking and driving a motor vehicle – intoxication impairs your judgment, vision and coordination. The same applies to boat operators. Based on information from the U.S. Coast Guard, in more than half of alcohol-related boat accidents, the vessel either capsized or the victims fell overboard. Both situations are often fatal.

Below are some important facts you need to know about alcohol and boating:

• Alcohol can be even more hazardous to boat operators, as they typically lack experience on the water. The average boater spends only 110 hours on the water annually.
• Boat operators can become drunk quicker, as the motion, vibration, sun, wind and other environmental factors intensify the impact of alcohol.
• When a boat operator has a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .10 percent or higher, he or she is 10 times more likely to die in a boat accident, than someone who has a 0 percent BAC.
• Alcohol can make the body feel warm, which increases the chance of suffering hypothermia from cold water.

Despite these dangers, many boat owners still choose to drink while operating their recreational watercrafts.

When to Contact a Boat Accident Attorney

If you have been injured in a boating accident caused by a drunk boat operator, you may be able to recover damages. For more information, contact an experienced boat accident attorney at the Law Offices of Vujasinovic & Beckcom by calling (877) 724-7800 or filling out our online form.

We represent individuals who have been injured in boating accidents, as well as maritime workers who have been hurt offshore. Contact us today for a free case evaluation and be sure to order a free copy of our book, How to Hire the Best Attorney for Your Maritime Injury Case.