Do Not Boat and Drink
July 29, 2012 By Law Offices of R. F. Wittmeyer, Ltd.
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As the summer winds down, it is important to stay safe on the water. Remember to follow the law and do not drink alcohol and operate a vessel, because just like driving under the influence, boating under the influence is illegal. Individuals are not allowed to operate a vessel while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
In operating a vessel in Illinois waters, an individual provides "implied" consent to alcohol and/or drug testing if arrested for operating under the influence. Id. Similarly to driving under the influence, Illinois law states that a person operates a vessel while under the influence of alcohol or drugs if his or her alcohol concentration of blood or breath is 0.08% or more, OR if the person is under the influence of alcohol, OR if the person is under the influence of any other drug or combination of drugs and/or alcohol to a degree that renders him or her incapable of operating the vessel safely OR if the person has any amount of substance, compound or drug in his or her blood or urine that is the result of unlawful consumption or use of cannabis, a controlled substance, or an intoxicating compound. Id.
Boating under the influence (BUI) accounts for approximately 34% of fatal boat accidents each year. Where driving under the influence is hazardous enough, boating under the influence includes even more distractions because of a vessel's motion, vibration and engine noise, as well as sun, wind, spray and waves. Necessary skills for operating a boat include night vision, focus, ability to distinguish colors, judgment, balance, peripheral vision, cognitive abilities, coordination, and reaction time, among others. Id. A person who operates a vessel under the influence may be penalized with a suspended or revoked driver's license, fines, jail time, probation, and/or more. Id. As boatingundertheinfluence.org advises: "Be careful while out on the boat. Enjoy the water and leave the alcohol at home."
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: The Law Offices of R.F. Wittmeyer, Ltd.
Ronald F. Wittmeyer, Jr. practices plaintiffs’ personal injury law, and has his office in Arlington Heights, Illinois. Admitted to the practice of law in the State of Illinois and the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, Mr. Wittmeyer began his practice with a defense firm, where he worked until he founded R. F. Wittmeyer, Ltd. in 1984. With thirty years of experience handling personal injury cases, Ronald Wittmeyer has successfully represented thousands of clients, many of whom have suffered serious or fatal injuries. Currently, Ronald F. Wittmeyer Jr. is a member of the Northwest Suburban Bar Association Board of Directors.
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More information about Law Offices of R. F. Wittmeyer, Ltd.
Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this publication, it is not intended to provide legal advice as individual situations will differ and should be discussed with an expert and/or lawyer. For specific technical or legal advice on the information provided and related topics, please contact the author.
Boating under the influence (BUI) accounts for approximately 34% of fatal boat accidents each year. Where driving under the influence is hazardous enough, boating under the influence includes even more distractions because of a vessel's motion, vibration and engine noise, as well as sun, wind, spray and waves. Necessary skills for operating a boat include night vision, focus, ability to distinguish colors, judgment, balance, peripheral vision, cognitive abilities, coordination, and reaction time, among others. Id. A person who operates a vessel under the influence may be penalized with a suspended or revoked driver's license, fines, jail time, probation, and/or more. Id. As boatingundertheinfluence.org advises: "Be careful while out on the boat. Enjoy the water and leave the alcohol at home."
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: The Law Offices of R.F. Wittmeyer, Ltd.
Ronald F. Wittmeyer, Jr. practices plaintiffs’ personal injury law, and has his office in Arlington Heights, Illinois. Admitted to the practice of law in the State of Illinois and the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, Mr. Wittmeyer began his practice with a defense firm, where he worked until he founded R. F. Wittmeyer, Ltd. in 1984. With thirty years of experience handling personal injury cases, Ronald Wittmeyer has successfully represented thousands of clients, many of whom have suffered serious or fatal injuries. Currently, Ronald F. Wittmeyer Jr. is a member of the Northwest Suburban Bar Association Board of Directors.
Copyright Law Offices of R. F. Wittmeyer, Ltd.
More information about Law Offices of R. F. Wittmeyer, Ltd.
View all articles published by Law Offices of R. F. Wittmeyer, Ltd.
Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this publication, it is not intended to provide legal advice as individual situations will differ and should be discussed with an expert and/or lawyer. For specific technical or legal advice on the information provided and related topics, please contact the author.
