|
|
Published July 03, 2008 10:33 pm - JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Gov. Matt Blunt has approved tougher rules for boating while intoxicated, making the threshold for drunken boating on lakes and major rivers the same as for motorists.
Missouri: Drunken boating standard drops to 0.08 percent
The Associated Press
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Gov. Matt Blunt has approved tougher rules for boating while intoxicated, making the threshold for drunken boating on lakes and major rivers the same as for motorists.
The governor signed legislation that lowers the legal blood-alcohol limit to 0.08 percent, which has been the limit for roadways since 2001. Blunt signed the bill at the Lake of the Ozarks — a popular vacation destination that’s become known for large boats and a raunchy “Party Cove.”
But Independence Day revealers from across the Midwest who flock to the lake won’t have to worry about drinking less until next year. That’s because the lower legal blood-alcohol limit won’t take effect until Aug. 28 when the summer boating season is almost over.
In a written statement, Blunt said the same standard should apply for motorists and boaters.
Water Patrol spokesman Sgt. Jerry Callahan said that, except for coordinated drunken boating checkpoints, police generally identify drunken boaters after stopping them for another violation.
Callahan said the lower blood-alcohol threshold would give officers more time after identifying a drunken boater — which is important in those types of cases.
“One of the difficulties Water Patrol officers face is that many times we’re in a more isolated environment, and so it takes quite a while to get someone off the water to do the processing and do the testing,” he said.
In 2006, the Lake of the Ozarks accounted for nearly three-quarters of drunken boating arrests by the Missouri State Water Patrol, and more than half of all boating accidents statewide.
That year there were 50 alcohol-related accidents, the most in nearly a decade. Ten people died.
Besides drunken boating, the legislation also requires boats to travel at no-wake speeds within 100 feet of the Water Patrol and other emergency vessels with red or blue lights.
Blunt on Thursday also signed legislation adding new requirements on those with multiple drunken driving convictions. The governor traveled throughout the state, publicizing the bill in Springfield, Columbia and St. Louis.
That legislation lets previous convictions in municipal court count in determining whether someone is a repeat drunken driver or boater. The state Supreme Court ruled earlier this year that they could not be considered under current law.
The bill also requires repeat offenders to prove to the Department of Revenue that an ignition interlock device has been installed on their vehicles before their driver’s licenses can be reinstated. The interlock devices prevent a vehicle from starting unless the driver blows into a special gauge without registering alcohol.
A 2001 law already requires the courts to order the devices for people convicted of two or more drunken driving offenses. But Blunt contends judges have not been sufficiently aggressive at enforcing the requirement.
•
Click to discuss this story with other readers on our forums.
|
|
Announcements



: Special Offer For New Subscribers
:


 |
|
|
|
1993 CHEVROLET LONG BED
runs good, 4.3 V6, new transmission, needs body parts, $400. (417)438-2508...>MORE
1999 PONTIAC GRAND AM
2 door, spoiler, sharp, loaded, automatic, air, CD, extra nice, $2600. 1317 Schifferdecker, Joplin....>MORE
1989 CHEVROLET STEPSIDE
350, V8, custom flames, runs great, $2500. 417-208-6717...>MORE
OLDSMOBILE 2003 SILHOUETTE VAN
OLDSMOBILE, 2003 Silhouette mini van, 107,000 miles, scooter/wheelchair hoist, nice, $7000. (417)776-3219....>MORE
2002 FORD TAURUS SE
nice car, 3.0 liter V6, $2900. 417-850-0731....>MORE
1997 OLDSMOBILE 88
runs good, $1900. 417-850-0731....>MORE
TOYOTA 2004 TACOMA PRERUNNER
Toyota, 2004 Tacoma Prerunner, TRD off road, double cab, V6, new tires, CD, bed liner, lid cover, 100,000 miles, excelle...>MORE
2002 KIA OPTIMA EX
4 door, sharp, loaded, leather, CD, sunroof, extra nice, $3200. 1317 Schifferdecker, Joplin....>MORE
HONDA 2001 CIVIC EX
HONDA, 2001 Civic EX, 4 door, automatic, 94,000 miles, $5800; 1998 Accord, 4 door, $4200; 1999 Honda Prelude, automatic...>MORE
2002 BUICK RENDEZVOUS
4 door, luxury leather trim, loaded, CD, sunroof, beautiful rig, extra nice, $4500. 1317 Schifferdecker...>MORE
See all ads |
|
Deerfield Estates
in Carl Junction, prime building sites, reduced $10,000 each. 417-825-0052...>MORE
NEWER 3 BR/2 BA
Lots of upgrades and great location. $149,000 but all offers considered. 903 Katlin, Carl Junction. Pictures www.fsboloc...>MORE
See all ads |
|
REWARD $50,000 REWARD
Offered for any information leading to conviction of any person or persons known to have been involved in alleged ...>MORE
POODLE, FULL BLOODED
POODLE, full blooded, $75 or best offer. (417)385-8710 after 4:30 p.m....>MORE
(2) TEACUP CHIHUAHUA
APRI puppies. (417)673-1997....>MORE
YORKIES
12 weeks old, 2 males, AKC, 1st shots, $175. 417-291-6590, Webb City...>MORE
NEW IN BOX
New in box, Lucchese cowboy boots, black, size 9D, $200. (620)231-9256...>MORE
POODLES
POODLES, standard pups, born 10/10, registered, shots, wormed, family raised. Adorable personalities! 417-673-3892....>MORE
ENGLISH BULLDOG PUPPY
male, AKC, fawn/white, champion bloodlines, $900 or best offer. (417)396-3340...>MORE
INDIAN HEAD PENNIES
INDIAN HEAD PENNIES, 35% Civil War II nickels, V nickels, Buffalo nickels, lots of other coins. Garage full of antiques ...>MORE
MALTESE PUPPIES ADORABLE!!
6 weeks old Thanksgiving. 2 boys and 2 girls. Shots, wormed, and vet checked. Healthy, active, and loved! Great Ch...>MORE
ANGUS HEIFERS
6 Augus heifers, good foundation stock. (417)358-7519...>MORE
See all ads |
|
 |
|