Drunken driving isn’t just a danger on Ohio highways. Its waterways see too much drinking and driving – of boats.

That’s why the Ohio Department of Natural Resources is taking part in a National Dry Water campaign. It’s an effort to reduce the use of alcohol and drugs while operating watercraft. The campaign runs through Sunday and includes increasing patrols, checkpoints and breath-alcohol tests on waterways across the state,

There are additional “stressers” when out on a boat, officials say. Things like sun, wind, water and motion can impact the effects of alcohol on a person.

U.S. Coast Guard statistics show alcohol use was the primary contributing factor in 260 recreational-boating accidents, 91 deaths and 228 injuries across the country last year. It was a contributing factor in 20 recreational-boating deaths in Ohio the past five years, including four deaths in 2015.

Boaters whose blood-alcohol level exceeds Ohio’s limit of .08 percent can face jail and fines, among other penalties.

So have fun on the water, but play it safe – and smart. Don’t drink and drive.

 

The Marietta Times