DWI on the Water

Today I was back on boat safety patrol, focusing on a DWI bill that has just been signed into law. In talking with the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, I was amazed at just how many roadway laws don't quite translate into the water. For example, prior to this bill, if someone crashed their boat and killed someone, there was no requirement that the driver of the boat be drug or alcohol tested. But when it comes to the road, the driver is required to be tested. Another bill that's headed through the legislature would make sure that if you lose your license for driving drunk on the road or the water, you won't be able to take the wheel of a boat. They seem like simple little loopholes, but the hope is that by closing them, it presents an overall picture that Louisiana won't tolerate drinking and driving on the water. After covering the fatal boating accident recently and seeing the pain in the eyes of the victim's family and friends, it's a message that I believe couldn't come soon enough.