A bill is being considered in the state Senate that will make Boating Under the Influence as serious as Driving Under the Influence in California. Since the mid-90’s the Department of Motor Vehicles has been treating drunk boating offenses like CA DUI cases, suspending the offender’s driver’s license. Last year, however, a court of appeals ruled that the DMV does not have that authority. The proposed legislation would establish that authority.

Senator John Benoit’s bill would allow the DMV to suspend a boater’s license in the event of an arrest for boating under the influence. It would also mandate enrollment in an alcohol awareness program. Benoit says there is a need for making the state’s waterways safe for recreational and commercial use. Local harbor patrols agree, citing the responsibility a boat operator has to the occupants of the vessel.

During 2007, there were a reported 55 boating accidents resulting in fatality in California waters. Nearly half of the fatalities were boat passengers and 20 victims were found to be under the influence of alcohol.

Lawmakers and law enforcement officers alike hope that people who venture out on the water first establish a designated boater for safety.

Have you been arrested for DUI in CA?

Gabe Pruitt, a back-up guard for the NBA Boston Celtics, was charged with suspicion of driving under the influence in LA early Thursday morning. He was pulled over around 3:00 am at Sunset Boulevard and Wilcox Avenue for sitting at a green light. The arrest took place just blocks from the LAPD station in Hollywood. He was booked for misdemeanor CA DUI and released around 8:30 am.

Pruitt has apologized to his family, team and the Celtics management for the incident. He also expressed disappointment in himself.

Pruitt, 22, is from Southern California and played college basketball at USC. The night before his arrest, he played six minutes and scored 3 points during the Celtics loss to the LA Clippers.

Were arrested for drunk driving in LA?