Mothers Against Drunk Driving and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources announced on Friday that they are once again partnering to promote safe boating and ATV practices as the summer recreation season begins; their joint campaign aims to educate communities about the dangers of operating boats, personal watercraft – PWC – and all-terrain vehicles – ATVs – while impaired by alcohol or other drugs.
“Operating boats or UTVs and ATVs under the influence is just as dangerous as driving a car while impaired,” said Erin Doherty, Regional Executive Director of MADD Illinois, Iowa &
Wisconsin. “Each summer, we see a troubling increase in impaired recreational vehicle crashes that endanger lives.”
According to the U.S. Coast Guard, alcohol continues to be the leading known contributing factor in fatal boating crashes. In 2023, where the primary cause was known, alcohol was
listed as the leading contributing factor in 17% of deaths. Boaters are particularly susceptible to impairment due to environmental stressors such as sun, wind, vibration, engine noise, and motion, which can accelerate the effects of alcohol.
These factors can lead to fatigue, reducing a boater’s coordination, judgment, and reaction time more rapidly than on land.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s Fatality Facts 2023 report indicates that, where the primary cause of ATV crashes was known, there were 112 estimated ATV deaths involving drivers with BACs of .08 or higher, and 80 estimated deaths with BACs of .15 or higher.
“It’s crucial to remember that operating any vehicle on water or land while under the influence can result in severe injuries or fatalities,” said Illinois Department of Natural Resources Office of Law Enforcement Director Jeb Whitchurch. “If your summer plans include alcohol, designate a sober driver or operator while recreating outdoors. Wait to consume alcohol until after you’re done boating or ATVing for the day. Plan for a safe ride once you are done recreating, whether that’s via rideshare, public transportation, or a sober driver.”
Safety Precautions for Summer Recreation:
Boating:
• Never consume alcohol or drugs while operating a boat or PWC.
• Take a boating safety course.
• Operate boats responsibly.
• Wear a properly fitted life jacket.
• Attach the engine cut-off switch.
• Get a free vessel safety check.ATVs:
• Never operate an ATV or UTV under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Enroll in an ATV safety course.
• Always wear appropriate gear, including helmets, goggles, and protective clothing.
• Avoid riding on paved roads, except to cross safely.
• Choose an ATV appropriate for your age and size.
• Never carry a passenger on a single-rider ATV.
• Supervise riders younger than 16.
