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Leading Causes of Boating Accidents in Florida

Introduction

There are many different kinds of boat accidents in Florida. Each one has varying consequences, especially regarding the injury and liability of a vessel owner or operator. As such, boaters need to be aware of Florida’s leading causes of boating accidents and what they can do to improve their safety.

Leading Causes of Boating Accidents

Boating accidents can be some of the most devastating, expensive, and dangerous incidents around the world. It is essential to understand the particular causes of boating accidents in Florida to prevent such mishaps. some of the leading reasons are:

1. Improper Lookout

In most boating accidents, people make the mistake of failing to pay attention. When boating, it is essential to recognize and avoid hazards like shallow waters, rocks, and trees. Failure to provide an adequate lookout for other boaters and vessels can face serious legal consequences. While this might seem simple enough, many different factors can lead you to possibly not see what is in your way. 

2. Operator Inexperience

Florida boating accidents caused by operator inexperience are an increasing problem. Florida is a no-wake state, but most boaters don’t know or follow the rules or can be fined and arrested if they go too fast for the conditions or use poor judgment. Additionally, there are areas of the state where saltwater crashing into fresh springs can cause hydrostatic problems that lead to serious injury. As with any sport, you must master your craft before taking to the water.

3. Excessive Speed

Excessive speed is the leading reason for boating accidents in Florida. It’s the number one cause of boating accidents but also the most preventable. No boat should be able to reach more than 20 knots in calm waters, and they further advise that speeds up to 30 knots can be considered reasonable in light winds. If you’re unsure what your speed limit is, check it out before getting on the water.

4. Alcohol Use

Alcohol causes boating accidents. It impairs judgment, increases risk-taking behavior, and leads to many other boating accident risks. Alcohol use behind the wheel increases your risk of a crash, regardless of how large or small your boat, vehicle or boat is. This is especially true with inexperienced boaters who may be unaware of their limitations and the dangers of alcohol and drug use. Not only are you putting yourself at risk of drowning, but also other boaters, swimmers, and fliers who may share your path of travel.

5. Machinery Failure

Boat accidents are a leading cause of mortality in the United States. Boat accidents often stem from mechanical problems, but there are other causes. Boating accidents can be caused directly or indirectly by mechanical failure such as a control system failure, or indirectly by poor planning or poor decision-making and conditions that change unexpectedly.

6. Poor and Hazardous Weather Conditions

Poor and hazardous weather conditions are the leading cause of boating accidents. Insufficient location data, lack of knowledge of sailing and boating safety laws, inexperience with operating navigation equipment, excessive speed, failure to heed warning signs and signals, fog, poor lookout, or inability to keep a good watch on oncoming traffic are all common reasons for boating accidents.

The Law

Boating accidents occur when, for example, the boat is struck by another vessel, or the ship hits land or another vessel. They also result from marine incidents that take place at sea. Accidents can be fatal, resulting in injury to a person or damage to property. Boating accident lawyers at Fernandez Firm Accident Injury Attorneys can help if you have been involved in an accident and suffered injuries that have damaged your health.

Conclusion

Always remember to take extra precautions whenever you set out on the water. A boating accident can be life-altering and lead to serious, painful injuries. So use caution when operating your boat, and ensure everyone else on board is wearing a life jacket. 

Christopher Stern

Christopher Stern is a Washington-based reporter. Chris spent many years covering tech policy as a business reporter for renowned publications. He is a graduate of Middlebury College. Contact us:-[email protected]

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