West Virginia Seeks Lower Boating Blood Alcohol Level

West Virginia boaters who like a few drinks while out on the lakes or rivers will have to take it easy if a proposed rule change goes through.

The state Division of Natural Resources wants to lower the legal blood alcohol limit for boaters from .10 to .08, which would bring it in line with the rule governing motorists.

DNR Lt. Col. Jerry Jenkins said national statistics show that alcohol is a factor in 21 percent of all fatal boating accidents.

Penalties for boating while drunk start at two days to a year in jail and a fine of $200 to $1,000.

DNR put the rule change before the Legislature, which will consider it during the 2009 session.
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Information from: The Register-Herald,
http://www.register-herald.com