Attorneys in Utah Support Operation Dry Water: BUI Awareness Decreases the Need to See an Injury Law
Recreational boating fatalities from last year rose to their highest levels since 1998. According to the U.S. Coast Guard’s report on 2011 recreational boating statistics, boating under the influence (BUI) was the leading contributing factor in these boating fatalities.
Attorneys in Utah support Operation Dry Water 2012, which will be held June 22-24. During those days there is an increased focus on enforcing BUI laws and educating boaters about the risks of operating a boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Raising awareness about these issues now helps prevent the need to see an injury lawyer in Utah later.
During the summertime months of increased water activities, attorneys in Utah also want to draw attention to a new Utah law pertaining to recreational boating. The law states that if a person believes they may have been involved in an accident resulting in injury to a person they must “immediately stop the vessel at the scene of the accident or as close to it as safely possible” and remain at the scene until they have fulfilled certain requirements. See Utah Code Section 73-18-13.2.
Boating under the influence continues to be a problem, even though it is against federal law and Utah state law (and most state laws) for a person with a blood alcohol level of .08 or higher to operate a recreational boat. Alcohol was involved in 16 percent of boating fatalities. Attorneys in Utah caution that it is not safe to operate a recreational boat while intoxicated; not only to prevent injuries and deadly accidents, but also to avoid fines or criminal charges.
To read more about Utah’s new law pertaining to recreational boating click here or to learn more about Operation Dry Water click here. If you have been involved in a boating accident, contact an injury lawyer in Utah to understand your rights.
Shumway Van & Hansen always offers free consultations and often times can schedule an appointment within 24 hours. For more information please continue to utilize www.shumwayvan.com, call us at (801) 478-8080 or (702) 478-7770, or stop by either of our offices which are located at 8985 S. Eastern Ave, Suite 100, Las Vegas Nevada 89123 and 8 East Broadway, Suite 550, Salt Lake City, Utah 84111. We look forward to hearing from you soon.