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Thousands of people are involved in boating accidents every year. Most accidents occur in small, open boats on inland waters in the daytime when weather and visibility are not a problem. Typically, bad weather and hazardous conditions on the water have little to do with the accidents. In spite of good boating conditions, people fall overboard, and boats capsize and collide with docks, debris and other watercraft. Falling overboard and drowning is the number one cause of fatalities in small boat accidents. Statistics prove most boating accidents are caused by carelessness, excessive speed, and operator inexperience. Safety Precautions and Common Sense The following list of safety precautions will help you enjoy your time on the water and maybe save your life:
• Life jackets should be worn by everyone on board
• Never operate boat while consuming alcohol or drugs
• Be aware of obstacles in the water
• Attach the ignition safety switch lanyard to your body, clothes or life jacket
• Do not allow anyone to sit on an area not designated for seating
• Do not overload boat
• Do not speed or drive in a reckless manner
Alcohol consumption was involved in over 50% of all boating accidents. Drowning victims were not wearing life jackets in 85% of boating accidents. Clearly, following the safety precautions listed would have eliminated most if not all of these accidents and deaths by drowning. Statistics reveal a boating accident with injuries or fatalities involves at least one of the following:
• An open boat
• Excessive speed
• Collision with other boats, obstacles or debris
• Underage driver
• Alcohol or drug consumption
The same behaviors that contribute to motor vehicle accidents also contribute to boating accidents. People drink and drive and use excessive speed in boats as well. An element added to this dangerous mix is water and thus the possibility of drowning. It is your responsibility to know the boating laws of the state you are operating your boat in. Boating laws are complex and do vary from state to state. Many legal issues come up after a boating accident. If you are involved in a boating accident, you should avoid making incriminating statements or signing anything related to the accident until you speak to an attorney who is qualified to take on this complex issue. If you have been injured in a boating accident through no fault of your own it is imperative you contact an attorney who is familiar with boating laws. Someone who can help determine who is liable for your damages and losses. Someone who can help you receive compensation for those losses. If you live in the Oklahoma City, Oklahoma area and you or a loved one has been injured or suffered a loss due to someone else’s negligence please visit the website of Stipe, Harper, Laizure, Uselton, Belote, Maxcey & Thetford, personal injury and accident attorneys, today to learn about your legal rights and whether you are entitled to compensation.
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