While boating is extremely pleasurable, it has safety issues like most water activities. Boat accidents happen regularly and are responsible for thousands of injuries and hundreds of deaths every year. To be on the safe side, boating should be appropriately planned, and safety measures must be taken seriously by everyone onboard.
What Causes Boat Accidents?
Generally, boat accidents are caused by so many factors. While most of them are human-related, some are caused by environmental factors or equipment issues. According to the accident pyramid, 75% of accidents are caused by human error, 15% are caused by environmental factors, while equipment issues cause 10 %. The implication of this is that most boating accidents can be prevented.
What Is The Cause Of Boat Accidents Resulting In Death?
As stated already, boat accidents are mostly preventable. A fatal boat accident can be prevented if a few more people in the vessel take more responsibility. Drowning is the leading cause of boat accidents resulting in death. While many victims are children under 13, most are adults who know how to swim. It is more often a case of negligence than the inability to swim.
Different Boat Accident Scenarios and Things to Know
Falling Overboard
This may not appear as a common scenario, but there are reported cases of people falling overboard while on a pleasure vessel. Open motorboats, personal watercraft, and cabin motorboats are the commonest types of vessels involved in accidents. Fatalities and many cases started with people falling overboard. Being extra careful in a boat is one way to stay safe.
It is also important to note here that drowning is the primary cause of fatal boat accidents involving falling overboard. Individuals who can swim are most likely to survive. Those wearing lifejackets or Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) are much more likely to survive even when they fall overboard by accident.
Capsizing, Swamping, Sinking, or Running Aground
These scenarios can be caused by human error, environmental factors as well as equipment issues. They can easily result in death, too, especially when individuals inside the boat are not wearing lifejackets. It is safer to boat in water that is clearly marked safe for boating during favorable weather/water conditions. Likewise, it is vital to make sure that the boat is in excellent condition, and the operator is well-skilled and experienced.
You should also understand that wearing a lifejacket or PFD enhances your chances of surviving any of these scenarios. Once aboard, wear a lifejacket or PFD and encourage everyone else to do the same. It is difficult to put on any safety gear during an emergency or when you are already underwater.
Boat Collision
Collision with other boats or objects is another major cause of fatal boating accidents. Depending on the circumstance, collisions have dire consequences like sinking, falling overboard, fire hazards, and more. While many cases of collision happen at night when it is difficult to see, most cases occur in the daylight hours. Collisions can even occur in calm, clear water when the operator of the boat is not staying alert and keeping a lookout for other boats and objects.
In most instances, collisions occur because boat operators are not in the right frame of mind. Alcohol is involved in most cases of fatal collisions. Operators should avoid alcohol or any drug that can interfere with their state of mind. Speeding is another major cause of fatal boating collisions. Going at a speed that is even slightly faster than recommended can cause serious problems, including fatal collisions.
Major Contributing Factors in Boat Accidents
Alcohol use and the influence of other drugs have been found to be the major contributing factor in fatal boat accidents. Once the operator of a water vessel is under the influence, the chances of accidents are higher, and fatality will be enhanced when others in the boat are also using alcohol and drugs.
Other high-ranking primary contributing factors to fatal boat accidents include operator inattention, operator inexperience, improper lookout, machinery failure, and excessive speed. In accidents caused by environmental factors, hazardous waters and bad weather are the major contributing factors. Not wearing a lifejacket or PFD is regarded as the leading cause of death to passengers in any scenario. Without these devices, the chances of drowning are higher.
How to Be Safe While Boating
Boating is an enjoyable expedition. You don’t have to turn down an opportunity to have fun and connect with others because there is an element of danger in it. You just have to be more safety-conscious.
You need to start with the vessel. Carry out comprehensive research about the boat and its condition. It is not rude to ask the operator how well the vessel is being maintained.
It is recommended that you understand how much experience the boat operator has before jumping aboard. Going with a skilled operator who has adequate safety training is important. You should also know the character of the operator. If you are among friends, try to minimize alcohol use and ensure that the operator is not under the influence of alcohol or drug.
You also need to wear a lifejacket or PFD once you come aboard. The leading cause of death in boat accidents is drowning, and more than 80% of those who drown are those not wearing lifejackets and PFDs.
Going Forward
If you were involved in a boat accident or lost a loved one in a fatal boat accident, you need to speak with a boat accident lawyer as soon as possible. Having the accident properly investigated is necessary so that responsible individuals or entities will be held liable. To get true justice, you need a personal injury attorney.
Experienced Boat Accident Attorney in Florida
Do you need expert representation in your boat accident case in Florida? Give us a call today at The Injury Firm – Galsterer & Abramowitz, P.A. to schedule a meeting with any of our experienced boat accident lawyers. Our experienced attorneys will be available to speak with you. We promise to provide you with a strong representation in your boat accident case. We will fight on your behalf and increase your chances of getting the substantial compensation you deserve. Call today for a free consultation: 954-961-0000.
