The following are the top 10 contributing factors of recreational boating accidents in Louisiana and across the nation.
- Operator inattention (597 accidents)
- Operator inexperience (480 accident)
- Improper lookout (475 accidents)
- Excessive speed (360 accidents)
- Machinery malfunction or failure (323 accidents)
- Alcohol use (282 accidents)
- Weather (214 accidents)
- Navigation rules violation (213 accidents)
- Hazardous waters (205 accidents)
- Wake or large wave (160 accidents)
Among all fatal watercraft accidents, alcohol use is the number one contributing factor. Drinking and boating is a deadly combination and watercraft operators can face civil and criminal penalties if they cause an accident while under the influence. Louisiana law considers a person to be legally intoxicated if they:
- Are under 21 years of age and have a BAC or .02 percent or greater
- Are 21 years or older and have a BAC of .08 percent or higher
Boating under the influence (BUI) is handled much like a DUI, with penalties including fines, incarceration, driver’s license suspension and the prospect of protracted litigation. It is illegal in Louisiana to knowingly permit another person who is drunk or under the influence of illicit drugs to operate a personal watercraft.