According to the U.S. Coast Guard, alcohol is the main contributing factor to fatal boating accidents. With more than 12 million registered boats in the United States alone, safety becomes a top priority.
Recently, Illinois’ Department of Natural Resources Conservation Police arrested a dozen boaters for operating boats while under the influence on Memorial Day. Last year, Illinois had six alcohol-related boating deaths and more than 200 arrests for operating boats while intoxicated.
The penalties the state of Illinois levies against drunk boaters might make them think twice about repeating this behavior. The first offense is punishable with up to six months of jail time and a $2500 fine. A second offense increases the penalty to up to three years and $25,000.
Alcohol abuse solutions are what are needed to lower the rate of drunk boating and drunk driving. There are certain people who are completely dependent upon alcohol in order to get by in social situations or drown out the pain and sorrows of their lives. These people will pay little heed to laws regarding operating vehicles while under the influence, no matter how stiffly these regulations are enforced.
Even a small amount of alcohol in one’s system can leave one impaired physically and mentally. This should not be overlooked by friends and family members of alcoholics who may have grown accustomed to the person “always having a beer in his hand.” Such a person is dangerous to have driving a boat and in actual fact is dangerous to have around, period, because both their decisions and their actions are impaired. They should never be allowed to operate either a car or a boat.
If you or someone you know is being damaged by their drinking, our Illinois drug and alcohol rehab programs can help. Call us now at 1-800-473-0930.
Our drug and alcohol rehab facility can help you or your loved one overcome dependency now.
