What to Do If You’re Pulled Over for a Suspected DWI
May 16, 2019
9 Tips for Dealing with Police (COPS)
May 29, 2019
Summer is a time for road trips, fun days on the water, and endless cookouts. It’s also the season that experiences the highest number of alcohol-related crashes and DUIs. The increase in activities that involve drinking makes hitting the road more dangerous than ever.
Texas law defines drunk driving two ways:
- Having a blood alcohol content of .08 or higher
- Not having regular use of mental or physical faculties from consuming drugs or alcohol
Driving a boat under the influence is equally as dangerous as driving on the roadways, and it’s illegal in 50 states. When impaired on the water, a driver’s reaction time can slow down even more than driving on the road due to a phenomenon called “boater’s hypnosis.” When combined with the motion of the water, the vibrations of being on a boat and being out in the open air, the effects of alcohol can become exaggerated. You also face an increased risk of dehydration, which can heighten the effects of alcohol even more.
Impaired Tubing and Boating
Drunk driving isn’t just limited to driving on cars. In Texas, tubing and boating are wildly popular summer activities that often involve drinking and leads to many drinking and driving incidents after a day on the late. In South Texas, summer’s are the season of tubing on the Guadalupe in San Marcos. Tubing on the river tends to involve a day of drinking and boating. While alcohol is allowed on the river, there are still serious consequences for drinking and boating, as well as driving home after a full day of consuming alcohol.
In addition to boating while intoxicated, many tubers don’t realize they are still too drunk to drive home, which can result in severe injuries and fatalities. The 2016 death of Kristian Nicole Guerrero, who lost her life after a collision with a drunk driver, showcases the seriousness that can ensue. Guerrero was hit head-on by a drunk driver who had spent the day drinking and tubing. The 21-year old who hit her didn’t realize just how intoxicated he was before driving home.
Driving a boat under the influence is equally as dangerous as driving on the roadways, and it’s illegal in 50 states. When impaired on the water, a driver’s reaction time can slow down even more than driving on the road due to a phenomenon called “boater’s hypnosis.” When combined with the motion of the water, the vibrations of being on a boat and being out in the open air, the effects of alcohol can become exaggerated. You also face an increased risk of dehydration, which can heighten the effects of alcohol even more.
Every year, hundreds of people lose their lives in drunk driving accidents, and that number steadily increases every year. Texas has the highest drunk driving rate reported in the country, making the roads especially dangerous for everyone involved.
Don’t let drunk driving ruin your summer fun. When out this summer having a good time, remember to coordinate a designated driver to get home from your destination safely. With apps like Uber and Lyft, it’s easier than ever to avoid driving drunk and finding a safe alternative without putting other motorists at risk.
If you have been charged with a DUI, DWI or other alcohol-related offense, you should contact legal counsel asap to see how these may affect your specific case. For a Houston DWI attorney or a criminal defense lawyer, contact Christopher T. Gore at (713) 223-1600 for more info on how his team can best represent your case.
