WV leads nation in boating accidents involving alcohol: Study

CLARKSBURG, W.Va. (WBOY) — As the summer season comes to a close, many are looking forward to one last day on the lake this holiday weekend before the weather cools off. It’s important to do so safely however, and West Virginia unfortunately leads the national in alcohol-related boating accidents.

According to a 2025 study based on data from the Bureau of Transportation by Murphy and Prachthauser,

17% of boating accidents in West Virginia involve alcohol, the highest in the study. Kentucky is a very short distance behind at 16.98%.

The study also ranks West Virginia as 10th in the nation for fatal boating accidents at 21.48%, with number one being Alaska at 61.11%.

You can learn more about how to stay safe when boating in West Virginia and the dangers of boating under the influence (BUI) here.