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OKLAHOMA CITY (April 21, 2009) - State Rep. Mike Ritze, D.O., praised the House passage of a Senate bill that would lower the legal blood alcohol content required to file charges against drunk drivers operating a boat.

Senate Bill 902, by Ritze and state Sen. Bill Brown (R-Broken Arrow), is intended to increase public safety and aid law enforcement, he said.

?Boating under the influence of alcohol is as serious as driving under the influence,? Ritze, R-Broken Arrow, said. ?Everyone knows that drinking out on the lakes is a common and dangerous practice that can lead to serious and harm. I commend my fellow lawmakers for looking out for the safety of all Oklahomans.?

As a physician and surgeon with a master?s degree in forensic science and a member of the Oklahoma House Public Safety Committee, Ritze said public safety is one of the first functions of government and that accidents are a major cause of deaths and injuries nationwide.

?Safety should be priority of every lawmaker up here,? Ritze said. ?I am pleased to see so many vote in favor of this legislation.? Senate Bill 902 passed the Oklahoma House of Representatives by a 97-1 vote.