February 15, 2012
When a person is injured or killed because of a drunk driver on a boat, are their costs less important than those who are involved in a collision with a drunk driver in a car? Most would say no. That’s why, according to an article released by WTHR 13 News, lawmakers in Indiana are proposing changes to the state’s laws regarding intoxicated boaters.
A bill that was unanimously approved by the state’s House of Representatives Tuesday by a vote of 94-0 proposes that the state laws for drunken drivers of boats should be the same as those for drunken drivers of cars. The bill also calls for expansion of the law’s definition of intoxication to include being under the influence of a controlled substance.
As the law stands, it’s only a misdemeanor to drive a boat with a blood alcohol content greater than .08%. A boater can only be charged with a felony if he’s a multiple offender or has an accident where someone is injured or killed.
The Senate approved a similar bill earlier. Now, a version of the proposed changes must be drafted and agreed upon by the legislature.
The Indiana Boat Accident Attorneys with Stewart and Stewart agree with the proposed change and are available to answer any questions you may have if you have been hurt in a boating accident that was no fault of your own. Call us today for a free consultation of your case!