Learning from a Serious and Deadly Accident
 

If nothing else, the tragedy on Lake of the Ozarks last August needs to heighten the awareness of why drinking and high-performance boating don't mix.

https://speedonthewater.com/in-the-n...eadly-accident

It has been three days and it is quiet so far on this thread. But I'll chime in with a hearty AMEN.

Both professionally (I'm a 29 year veteran cop and fatal accident investigator) and as an avid power boater I am constantly saddened at the results from mixing motor sports and alcohol (as well as other drugs).

Yes. I like a nice drink. But only after the boat, airplane, cycle, truck, Jeep, etc are put away.

Jason. Thanks for having the cajones to post the thread. It is a topic that many fear to address.

Cheers to all, and I pray we all have a safe, enjoyable boating season.

It has not been quite.

Look at "hard lessons" thread. 10 pages about this exact link.

Don't understand how anybody thinks they can drive anything while buzzed or two times the limit. I have to say that our Legal System isn't tough enough on DUI's. Too many times people are allowed to
get away with DUI's without much consequences. Too many repeat Offenders. We have laws against DUI's we need to use those laws to the fullest and this may discourage some. I drive all kinds of High performance
Stuff, including Fast cats and I just wouldn't let myself drink and drive. There is just too much going on when driving at speed to be not 100%.

Yeah, Jason started his thread not knowing that Pat had started one as well. No matter. It doesn't matter where the discussion is had, just that the discussion is had.

My take is simple: Zero drinking for the captain until the day is done. You do not have to be legally drunk for your reaction time to be compromised. You do not have to be legally drunk for your decision-making process to be compromised.

And passengers might want to stay at least close to sober in case he needs them to help out in a given situation.

That night, the captain's drinks should be on the passengers.

Another related fun fact...you do NOT have to be legally drunk (0.08+) to get popped for DUI if they claim you were impaired.

I will hold back on drinking because of the fuzz but I will have a beer with my lunch at a waterfront establishment

So you only drink at home or have your significant other drive you if you have a beverage with alcohol?

I prefer to learn from other's mistakes. Not to mention in S. Fla. climate drinking any alcohol while onboard isn't a thirst quencher for me. I'll never pilot my boat with any alcohol in my body just as I've never ridden a motorcycle when tired let alone after drinking.

I like this comment. Monday I worked 17 1/2 hours not counting travel time. As I was driving back to the hotel at 1:30 in the morning I was thinking I had not ate a thing in 13 hours, been up at that point for 21 hours but was "legal".

Impaired yup and people do that all the time. Sick, still legal. When we talk impaired the issue comes with at what level do you start, Tress M level or someone that has little seat time?