Many people never consider the fact that boating accidents are extremely serious. Just the same as a motor vehicle accident, it can cause serious injury or even death.
Some boat accidents only involve one vessel. These are often caused by a poor decision made by the operator. There are also situations in which a negligent party causes an accident.
According to the United States Coast Guard, there are thousands of boating accidents every year. In 2014, for example, there were 4,064 reported accidents. Of these, 548 of them were fatal. In this one year, 610 people were killed in boating accidents and another 2,678 were injured.
Along with injuries and death, boating accidents can cause property damage. In 2014, damages reached a total of $38,874,380.
Thanks to the warm weather and plenty of water, there are many boat accidents in South Carolina every year. In 2014, there were 124 accidents in which 14 people were killed and 92 were injured. These accidents also caused property damage totaling nearly one million dollars.
Recreational boating can be a lot of fun. This gives people the opportunity to soak up the sun, spend time with loved ones, and take part in a variety of activities, such as water skiing and fishing.
Even with so much fun to be had, boaters must be aware of the risks. There is always the chance of an accident, which could cause injury or death. As a boater, you should be familiar with the laws that govern your time on the water. This may help you prevent an accident.
Source: U.S. Coast Guard, “2014 Recreational Boating Statistics,” accessed May 27, 2015