There is no doubt that drinking and driving your car is reckless behaviour that is no longer socially acceptable. Interest groups such as MADD have led the fight against this drinking and driving, with significant success. Responsible people would never think of putting a beer in the cup holder of their car and heading to the cottage. They would not consider drinking on the dock all day and then taking a car full of friends for a joy-ride. They know the consequences and few want to risk large fines, long license suspensions and going to prison.
The same social condemnation does not exist in the boating community. Many responsible people will not hesitate to put a beer in the cup holder of their boat and tow wake-boarders. They will drink on the dock and go for a leisurely boat ride.
Social condemnation aside, most people are not aware of the consequences of drinking and driving on a boat. A person driving a boat while under the influence of alcohol could lose their license – not their boating license, but their license to drive a car. They face significant increases in their insurance. They run the risk of going to prison.
Think about this before you drink and drive your boat.
©Oatley, Vigmond Personal Injury Lawyers LLP.