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Boating Accidents
The United States Coast Guard Boating Safety Division is the governing body that regulates and monitors boating accidents and they record statistical data about boating accidents. It is each individual’s responsibility to operate their boats safely; however, boating accidents do happen for various reasons.
Recreational Boating
Recreational boating is a fun activity but you want to make sure that you are safely operating your boat so that an accident does not happen. Check with your local law enforcement or Coast Guard agency to find out what are the recreational boating rules and regulations in your area. Read your boat’s operational manual and learn exactly how to operate your boat to reduce the chances of having an accident.
Boat Safely on Water
Boating accidents do occur and there are certain things you should never do while operating your boat so that you and others can be safe on the water. Do not drink alcoholic beverages or use drugs while operating a boat. ‘In 2008, alcohol use was listed as the leading contributing factor in fatal boating accidents; it was listed as the leading factor in 17% of boating accident deaths.’ Do not speed excessively or maneuver the boat recklessly and make sure all your equipment is functioning properly.
2008 Boating Statistics
In 2008, ‘the United States Coast Guard counted 4,789 accidents that involved 709 deaths, 3,331 injuries and approximately $54 million dollars of damage to property as a result of boating accidents.’ A large percentage of the people who died in recreational boating accidents were not wearing a life jacket so make sure that you wear a life jacket every time you get on a boat or at least have close access to one.
Accident Prone Boats
According to a Coast Guard 2008 report, the most prone and common type of boats that were frequently in accidents were open water boats (43%), personal watercraft (23%) and motor boats (15%). There are 12,692,892 million boats registered by the states in 2008.
Types of Boat Accidents
There are many types of boating accidents so try to avoid them before they happen. Check to make sure that your boat does not have holes or objects embedded in to it and drive carefully and avoid striking an object in the water if you can. Stay alert because a boat can simply capsize or a person can be ejected from the boat. Be extremely careful if you are using towing devices because these devices increase your chances of having an accident because it disrupts the normal operation of the boat. Keep on the watch for fires and explosions by having your boat checked by a mechanic. We handle boating accidents. Contact us today for a free consultation. Act fast as Tennessee has a one-year statute of limitations.
Reference: United States Coast Guard Boating and Safety Division http://www.uscgboating.org
