Statistics Show Decrease in Boating Accidents But Increase in Fatalities

Most recent statistics from the U.S. Coast Guard show that nationwide there was a decrease in the number of boating accidents, but an increase in fatalities relating to boating incidents. According to a news article in The Staten Island Advance, the 2011 Coast Guard boating statistics also show that boater registration declined by 2 percent. There were 4,588 accidents that involved 758 deaths, 3,081 injuries and $52 million in property damage.
Boater Inattention and Inexperience
This data indicates that the number of accidents decreased by 4 percent and the number of boating accident-related deaths increased by 13 percent. Also, 70 percent of the fatalities were drowning incidents. About 84 percent of the victims were not wearing any personal flotation devices. Only 11 percent of the deaths occurred on a boat operated by a person who had taken a safe boating class.
Eight out of 10 drowning incidents occurred on a boat less than 21 feet long. Also, open boats accounted for 50 percent of all boater deaths. Some of the leading causes of boating accidents were listed as operator inattention, improper lookout, excessive speed and operator inexperience. Alcohol was the leading factor in incidents involving fatalities.
Preventing Boating Accidents
There are several actions New Yorkers can take in order to prevent boating accidents. Boats must be checked properly even during the off-season when they are not being used. The cover ties should be checked to see if they are still holding. Those that are frayed need to be replaced. Since we’ve had heavy winds and snow in the area, your boat cover will need attention. The scuppers should be cleaned and hatches checked to make sure they are tightly closed to keep water out. Several boating classes are available in New York. It would be a good idea for everyone who has a boat to take classes or brush up on their knowledge and skills. Always adopt safe boating practices when you get on the water. Do not operate your boat under the influence and stick to a safe speed.
Compensation for Victims
If you or a loved one has been injured or if you have lost a loved one as the result of a boating accident, the experienced New York personal injury attorneys at the Law Offices of Kenneth A. Wilhelm can help you better understand your legal rights and options. Our personal injury attorneys have more than 41 years of experience helping injured victims get fair compensation for their losses. Please contact us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-800-WORK-4-YOU (1-800-967-5496). We can also help with personal injury cases in New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, or Florida. If you have been seriously injured in any of the 50 U.S. states, please call us and we will try to help you with your case.
Other phone numbers for us are:
1-800-RADIO-LAW, 1-888-WYPADEK, OR 1-800-LAS-LEYES
Please visit us at: www.WORK4YOULAW.com
Source: The Staten Island-Advance