Common causes of boating accidents

On Behalf of | Sep 11, 2019 | Personal Injury

Consumption of alcohol is, unfortunately, one common reason that Missouri residents get into boating accidents. This is not surprising since alcohol diminishes a boater’s physical skills and the ability to make quick, rational decisions. The end result of drunk boating is often the same tragic outcome of drunken driving.

There are other boating accidents which are also preventable. Many times, collisions happen on the water because a boater did not see another vessel approaching. Boaters have an obligation to maintain a careful watch for other watercraft that may be in the area. Otherwise, even on the open water, there might not be enough time to avoid an accident.

Boaters sometimes mistakenly think that since they are on open water they can travel as fast as they would like. Such, however, is not the case. Boaters must always maintain a reasonable and prudent speed, and they must also observe any posted signs or standing rules about how fast they are allowed to travel in an area.

While some accidents on the water are just part of the risk of boating, in many cases they can be prevented with a little care and caution on the part of a boater. Hopefully, during these last few weeks when the weather will still be nice enough to head out on the water, all boaters will make sure that they put safety first. A Missouri resident who suffers an injury in a boating accident due to the negligence of another may be able to recover compensation through a personal injury cause of action.

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