Boating is a popular activity in Maine, with plenty of opportunities for residents and visitors alike to take advantage of the state’s numerous lakes, rivers, and coastal waters. Unfortunately, some boaters choose to operate their vessels while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, putting themselves and others at risk of serious injury or even death.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at boating under the influence (BUI) in Maine, including some of the most notable personal injury cases involving this dangerous and illegal behavior.
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Understanding Boating Under the Influence
Like driving under the influence (DUI), BUI can lead to impaired judgement, slower reaction times, and other dangerous consequences. In Maine, it is illegal to operate a boat with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher – the same limit that applies to driving.
However, even a BAC below this limit can impair a boater’s ability to operate their vessel safely. Law enforcement officials in Maine recommend that boaters avoid drinking any alcohol while operating a boat, and that they designate a sober driver or rely on another form of transportation if they plan to consume alcohol.
Recent Maine Personal Injury Cases Involving Boating Under the Influence
Unfortunately, despite these warnings and legal penalties, many boaters in Maine continue to operate their vessels while under the influence. Some of the most notable cases involving BUI and personal injury in Maine include:
1. In 2019, a man was charged with BUI after crashing his boat into a dock in Windham, injuring two of his passengers.
According to reports, the boat was traveling at a high speed and struck the dock with enough force to cause two passengers to be thrown from the boat. Both sustained serious injuries, including broken bones and lacerations.
2. In 2018, a man was charged with BUI and manslaughter after his boat collided with a kayaker in the Damariscotta River, killing the kayaker.
The driver of the boat allegedly had a BAC of 0.08% at the time of the crash. He was also charged with reckless operation of a watercraft, as investigators determined that he was not maintaining a safe speed or keeping a proper lookout.
3. In 2017, a woman was injured after being struck by a boat operated by a man who was charged with BUI.
The operator of the boat was allegedly drinking and smoking marijuana while operating the vessel, and witnesses reported seeing him driving erratically before the collision. The injured woman suffered multiple fractures and required surgery.
Legal Penalties for Boating Under the Influence in Maine
In Maine, the penalties for BUI can include fines, imprisonment, and the suspension or revocation of a boater’s license. The specific penalties will depend on the severity of the offense, including factors like the defendant’s BAC at the time of the arrest and whether any injuries or fatalities occurred as a result of their actions.
Additionally, boaters who are convicted of BUI in Maine may be required to complete a boating safety course or substance abuse treatment program, and they may be required to install an ignition interlock device on their boat to prevent them from operating it while under the influence in the future.
Conclusion
Boating under the influence is a serious matter in Maine, and it poses a significant risk to everyone who shares the state’s waterways. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident involving a boater who was under the influence of drugs or alcohol, it’s crucial to seek legal assistance as soon as possible.
A skilled personal injury attorney can help you understand your rights and options, and they can work with you to pursue compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. With the right legal representation, you can hold negligent boaters accountable for their actions and work towards a brighter, safer future for all Maine boaters.