NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee is currently witnessing a troubling trend, as alcohol-related incidents on its waterways are on the rise. Between 2019 and 2023, the state has reported a staggering 237% increase in alcohol-related fatal boating crashes, according to the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC). This alarming statistic is accompanied by another troubling figure: boating under the influence arrests surged by 95% from 2020 to 2023.
Among those affected by this worrying trend is Alex Otte, who at just 13 years old survived a disastrous boating accident involving an impaired driver. "The boat hit me from the side, going over 60 miles an hour, threw me off the jet ski. I landed face down in the water and the boat landed on top of my body. I sustained severe, life-threatening, and life-long injuries from head to toe, including a traumatic brain injury, a broken neck, and the loss of my right leg, among many other things," Otte recounted. Today, she serves as the regional executive director for Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), where she advocates against alcohol use on the water. "What I want people to understand, most Importantly, isthat boating under the influence is driving under the influence. When you make a decision to consume alcohol or other drugs and get behind the wheel, you are a drunk driver," she emphasized.
Alongside Otte, Lt. Col. Matt Majors with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) has been observing these rising statistics closely. He explained how many incidents can be traced back to alcohol or drug use. "And about 20 to 40% of our incidents, it fluctuates, but we can trackthat back to alcohol or drug use bythat operator," Majors stated, reinforcing the connection between alcohol consumption and boating safety.
The rise of these numbers, Majors noted, coincided with increased boating activity during the COVID-19 pandemic. "The truth is, I can tell you so many times I’ve sat on the lake with these victims’ families," he reflected. To address this issue, the TWRA is implementing targeted patrols and checkpoints on the water. Majors expressed, "Oftentimes if we don’t catch them on the water, they make it back to the marinas and the boat docks and then they drive home, so it’s imperative for us to catch them on the waterway before they hurt somebody."
To combat the dangers, MADD aims to educate the public about the heightened risks associated with alcohol on boats. Research shows alcohol affects the body differently when boating. Steven Burritt from MADD explained, "Because of the environmental factors — people are outside in the sun, the bouncing on the water kind of affects the inner ear —that even a 0.08 BAC driver,while being incredibly dangerous and should never be on the road,is actually a less impaired driver than a 0.08 BAC boater." This shocking insight highlights the need for heightened awareness among boaters.
Meanwhile, as Tennessee grapples with the rising dangers on its waterways, another significant event is taking shape at the federal level. Congress has recently introduced legislation called the Transportation Freedom Act, which aims to reshape regulations surrounding the automotive industry. The bill has received considerable support from various automakers, reflecting its potential impact.
According to Senator Bernie Moreno’s office, the Transportation Freedom Act has been characterized as “a pro-America, pro-worker solution to revitalize auto manufacturing and restore fairness in emissions regulations.” Notably, one of the main features of the bill includes tax incentives, such as a 200% tax deduction for American auto workers. Such provisions are expected to significantly benefit both manufacturers and workers within the industry.
With these legislative measures, U.S. automakers can look forward to reduced regulatory burdens and more opportunities for growth. The Transportation Freedom Act, aimed at easing restrictions, highlights Congress's efforts to address the needs of the automotive sector during challenging times.
Both the rising trends of alcohol-related boating accidents and the proposed legislative changes for the automotive industry reflect significant changes across various sectors. Not only are the safety and health of Tennesseans at stake on the water, but the direction of the U.S. automotive industry is also undergoing transformative legislation aimed at revitalization.
Conclusively, these two pressing issues demonstrate the need for vigilant action against impaired boating and thoughtful legislation to support American workers and industries alike, underscoring the interconnectedness of safety and economic vitality across different sectors.