MISSOURI STATE HIGHWAY PATROL
a division of the
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

Water Patrol Division, Post Office Box 568, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0568


News Release

For further information please contact: Sgt. Jerry Callahan
573-751-3313
WPD20110513
May 13, 2011

EMPHASIS: Vessel Sobriety Checkpoints On Missouri's Waterways Announced For 2011 Boating Season

Major Thomas E. Roam, director of the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Water Patrol Division, announces efforts to reduce the incidents of intoxicated vessel operators by the establishment of sobriety checkpoints on Missouri’s lakes and rivers. Vessel sobriety checkpoints will be conducted on many of the state’s bodies of water throughout the 2011 boating season. Sobriety checkpoints are conducted to increase the boating public’s awareness of the potential hazards of operating a boat while intoxicated, maximize enforcement efforts in deterring impaired boating, remove intoxicated boaters from Missouri waterways, and reduce fatalities and injuries through vigorous enforcement of Missouri boating laws.

Last year, just over half of the boating fatalities in Missouri involved alcohol. Missouri boat operators found to have a blood alcohol content of .08% will be arrested for boating while intoxicated. Studies have shown that it can take less alcohol to affect a person’s reaction time when out on the water due the additional environmental stressors boaters are exposed to such as noise, wind, vibration, sun, and the rocking motion of the boat. The Missouri State Highway Patrol wants everyone to return to port safe. If alcohol is part of your plans this summer, designating a sober skipper is a good start to ensuring a safe trip, however vessel passengers need to do their part and keep alcohol consumption within reason.

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