The Most Common Causes Of Boating Accidents & Tips For Avoiding Them
National Safe Boating Week is May 22-28, 2021, therefore now is a good time to talk about boating safety. Recently, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) released the 2020 Boating Accident Statistical Report. Last year, there were 402 boating accidents that involved collisions and 44% of them were due to the operator’s inattention or failing to maintain a proper lookout. Of the top counties in Florida for boating accidents, Palm Beach County was ranked third with six fatal accidents, 10 accidents with injury, and 40 accidents without injury. The most common reasons for boating accidents are:
- Operator is distracted or inexperienced
- Lookout person is negligent
- Use of drugs or alcohol
- Speeding
- Lack of maintenance or proper equipment
- Adverse weather conditions or water surges
- Not following navigational rules
With almost have of the boating accidents that involved collisions being caused by operator error, this is a time to remember that impaired driving is impaired driving, no matter the vehicle. We must be diligent and responsible anytime we get behind the wheel – regardless of what type of machinery it is. Too many boaters forget that when they get behind the wheel, they are driving a vehicle and not just having fun on the water. With summer coming, now is a great time to review boating safety rules, precautions, and make sure your maintenance is up to date.
Here are tips to ensure you’re boating safely:
- Wear a life jacket
- Take a boating course
- Schedule a vessel safety check
- Equip your boat with an emergency kit
- Make sure all boat guests are familiar with how to use each of the items
- Do not drink and drive
- Be prepared for weather changes
- Know where you are at all times
- Know how to contact the coast guard in case of an emergency
If you are injured in a boating accident, you must prove that your injury directly resulted from someone else’s negligence to receive compensation. That is why it’s important to contact a personal injury lawyer who specializes in these type of vehicular accidents to guide you through the legal process.
