Summer has finally arrived and so has the Maryland recreational boating season. Boating is a great social opportunity to get together with friends and family and just relax and have fun. But, too much fun can potentially ruin your entire summer. Boating under the influence (BUI) has been gaining notice in recent years as a serious problem. According to the U.S. Coast Guard, there were 330 boating accidents in 2010 that involved alcohol-use. These accidents resulted in 293 injuries and 126 fatalities. In order to decrease these numbers and to educated the public about the dangers of BUI, the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA), along with the states, U.S. Coast Guard, and other organizations, launched Operation Dry Water, which is in effect June 24-26.
According to OperationDryWater.org, Operation Dry Water focuses on BUI enforcement and education each year during weekends before 4th of July. Last year, 322 BUI arrests were made and 4,171 citations issued during the Operation Dry Water campaign.
During Operation Dry Water, there will be more marine patrols as well as extensive BUI sobriety testing, including breathalyzer tests and blood tests. Marine patrol officers can also test boaters in a seated position, thanks to a three-year study by the Southern California Research Institute which standardized the tests. If a boat operator is found to be BUI, the boat’s voyage will be terminated, the operator may be arrested and the boat itself may be impounded. Other potential penalties include: fines, imprisonment, loss of boating privileges, and, in some cases, even the loss of driving privileges.
Boating under the influence is reckless, negligent, and illegal. If you or a loved one has suffered injury as the result of the actions of an impaired boat operator in Maryland, you may be entitled to financial compensation for losses and damages. Steven H. Heisler, “The Injury Lawyer,” is an experienced Baltimore boating accident attorney and can help you understand your legal rights and options. Contact Mr. Heisler today to learn more at 877-228-4878.
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