Common Causes of Boat Accidents

Boating recreationally is one of the most popular pastimes for those living along the Atlantic coast. However, a lot of people using boats on the water with varying skill levels can sometimes be a recipe for disaster. Issues such as inattentiveness, inebriation, faulty boats, and risk-taking behaviors can all cause dangerous accidents that can result in property damage, severe injury, or even death. Luckily, there are simple and sensible methods for best avoiding dangerous situations, while out on the water.

Here are some common causes of boat accidents and the ways in which they might be prevented!

Lack of Awareness

Basic inattention to one’s surroundings can result in a collision on the water. As the operator of your boat, you have to pay attention and avoid getting distracted by your radio, your passengers, interesting sights, your phone, or other activities while you’re actively operating the boat. Remember to keep your eyes on the water and make sure you’re watching the way ahead to avoid any accidents.

Lack of Experience

A new boater that is just starting out should avoid high-traffic areas and stick to a small body of water without a lot of obstacles or other boaters in it. Trying to boat in a complex waterway when you have no experience operating your boat is asking for trouble. Make sure to gain more experience before taking on rougher waters. One way to do this is by taking some boating safety courses from the United States Coast Guard first.

Intoxication

One of the biggest reasons for people getting into boating accidents is due to recreational drug or alcohol use while operating the boat. Your passengers might be able to enjoy a beer or two while you’re out on the water, but as the operator, it is your responsibility to remain sober, alert, and focused for the duration of the journey.

Save any drinking for a dockside restaurant rather than partaking in alcohol before or during your trip. Also, keep in mind that marijuana use can also affect your judgment and slow your reaction times. Avoid any type of drug use when operating your boat.

Speeding

Reckless behavior on the water may include going too fast in a crowded area. While you can certainly speed up to some degree on open water, it’s best to remain at a much slower pace if you’re surrounded by other boaters, personal watercraft, surfers, swimmers, or fishermen.

Additionally, you should always leave and return to a harbor or marina at a slow and even pace. Make sure that when it is safe to go faster, you don’t go so fast that you can’t change course or bring the boat to a stop. A sudden stop could result in an accident if you were to encounter an unforeseen obstacle.

Neglect of Boat Maintenance

If you fail to keep your boat in good working condition, you run the risk of a serious malfunction while on the water, which can result in an accident. For example, boats that have faulty engines are liable to come to a sudden stop, resulting in a collision. Your engine could also catch fire if you’ve failed to change the oil. Remember to stay on top of all maintenance tasks, recommended by your boat’s owner’s manual.

Purchase your boat at Thayer’s Marine, located in Norwich, Connecticut. We also proudly serve Springfield, Massachusetts and surrounding areas.