What Are the Leading Causes of Boating Accidents?

Boating, like driving a car, has become significantly easier and less risky today than it was decades ago. New technology and better-equipped boats are less likely to cause accidents. Yet, sometimes, it is the simplest of factors that can contribute to serious accidents causing life-threatening injuries.

Consider some of the most common causes of boating accidents today. What you may find is that most, if not all, are preventable with careful planning.

According to the US Coast Guard Boating Safety Magazine, these are the most common causes of accidents that should lead to a discussion with a Houston boating accident lawyer.

Running Out of Gas

When a vehicle runs out of gas, it cannot take some time before fuel can be brought to it. This means the boat sits in the water without any real ability to move out of the way should another boat move into that space. If the boat suddenly stops being operational in a busy area, the risk of accidents can increase considerably.

Running Aground

When a boat runs aground, it gets stuck on land. When that happens, you may find it far harder than trying to pull the boat back into the water. Injuries to boaters often happen when they try to move it. Keep in mind that these types of situations can also lead to cracking of the hull, which is a very dangerous outcome.

Falling Overboard

As simple as it may sound to avoid, it is not uncommon for a person to fall overboard a boat. This can happen in situations of alcohol or drug use, the fast movement of the boat suddenly and unexpectedly, or for various other reasons. When someone falls overboard, the risk of death is high, especially if they strike their head in the process.

Catching Fire

Another type of accident that can cause injury to others on a boat is a fire. Fires often occur within mechanical areas of the boat. However, they can also happen if someone drops a cigarette onto a mattress or other flammable surface. The good news is that boat fires have become less common thanks to onboard systems that put the fire out.

Speeding

Speeding or reckless boating incidents are a common cause of preventable injury to those on a boat. Speeding is dangerous because it means there is less time to react to what is in the water. When you add difficulty with visibility or night operation, the risk of serious injury is much higher. If a boater is speeding, they may not see someone until they are right on top of it, giving them little time to take action to avoid striking it.

Lack of Safety Gear

Accidents of any type can be minimized in situations where there is proper safety gear onsite. Yet, it is not uncommon for there to be a lack of gear or the gear to be so old and untested that it is no longer safe or protective. Many of the most serious boating accidents that cause the boat to sink are made worse because victims do not have adequate safety gear to support them on board.

In situations where you are hurt in a boat accident, it helps to have details about the situation clearly documented. Proving fault in such an accident may mean carefully considering all the details that led to the accident. Contacting an attorney is a wise move, as they can help demonstrate fault in the situation leading to your injury.