Politics & Government
Gov. Deal Wants Tighter BUI Law
The governor speaks after the recent collision on Lake Lanier that took two Gwinnett boys' lives.
Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal, in his first statement on the recent fatal boating collision on Lake Lanier, said Thursday that he wants tighter rules on boating under the influence.
The noted Political Insider blog in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that the governor said, “The current blood alcohol limit of .10 for boating and hunting is far too high. As a state, we need to have one level across the board.
"When the General Assembly convenes in January, I will work with the House and Senate to pass legislation that lowers the legal limit to .08 for boating and hunting – in line with the legal limit for driving a vehicle. As governor it is my priority to protect Georgians to the best of my ability and enforce the law. Far too many tragedies have occurred as a result of boating under the influence, and we must take the necessary steps to keep people safe.”
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Paul J. Bennett, a Johns Creek hair salon owner, has been charged with boating under the influence in connection with the June 18 crash. Bennett's boat collided with a pontoon boat that was piloted by Michael Prince Jr. Killed as a result of the collision were Griffin Prince, 13, and Jake Prince, 9, of Buford.
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Griffin Prince's body was pulled from the murky lake waters Wednesday evening after a nine-day search effort.
It's not known yet whether Bennett will face additional charges from the collision.
Also last weekend, authorities aimed to enforce safety as part of a national crackdown on drunken boating called Operation Dry Water. Several people were arrested on boating under the influence charges.
