| Recreational boating is meant to be just that – | | | | accidents. If you’re impaired by alcohol or drugs, |
| recreational. But every year up to 1,000 people in the | | | | or even fatigue, you’re much more likely to be |
| U.S. die due to recreational boating accidents. | | | | involved in an accident. Another high risk factor is lack |
| The major causes of boating accidents are operator | | | | of experience with the vehicle, or not knowing how |
| distraction and excessive speed. Much as in the case | | | | to operate it properly. Any time you take on the |
| of car accidents, boat operators who allow | | | | responsibility of operating a boat, be sure you know |
| themselves to become distracted, or who operate | | | | how to use it. Also be sure you know about proper |
| the vehicle recklessly, are much more likely to be | | | | safety precautions to be taken in your particular |
| involved in an accident than those who are more | | | | vehicle. |
| cautious and focused. | | | | Other factors in boating accidents include: |
| The major types of boating accidents include: | | | | - Lack of a lookout |
| - Colliding with another vehicle | | | | - Passenger behavior |
| - Colliding with a stationary object | | | | - Water hazards |
| - Mishap with a water skier behind the boat | | | | - Equipment failure |
| - Someone falling overboard | | | | The smallest number of boating accidents occur due |
| - Capsized boat | | | | to malfunction of the boat itself. The other causes |
| Boating accident fatalities are most commonly due to | | | | are largely preventable and due to inappropriate |
| drowning, accounting for up to two-thirds of boating | | | | behavior on the part of the passengers or operator |
| fatalities. It’s estimated that up to 90% of these | | | | of the boat. Whether you are operating the boat or |
| fatalities could have been prevented by use of a life | | | | a passenger in it, always take proper safety |
| vest. If you’re riding in or operating a boat, | | | | precautions and use common sense. Don’t |
| it’s very important to be sure you take this | | | | distract the vehicle operator or allow yourself to be |
| basic safety precaution. It could save your life. | | | | distracted if you’re operating the boat. |
| Impaired operation is also a major cause of boating | | | | |