Boating accidents make a lot of news, where even other accidents don’t. For some reason, they are out of ordinary, being encountering a tragedy while having fun unlike driving to work or grocery. Nationwide, according to U.S. Coast Guard, there has been around 4ooo accidents that caused the property damage of approximately $39 million, as a result of boating accidents, in 2014. It is rather important that we have a proper comprehension of how to stay safe in the water. The best way to prevent the accidents is to learn why they occur and how to prevent them.
In this blog, we will discuss the causes of these boating accidents as you will come to find that most of these reasons are the mundane events.
- Ignoring the Weather
Keeping an eye on the weather is very imperative, actually, it is as important as conserving a lookout while you are piloting a vessel. Make sure that you aren’t leaving the port without listening or checking the news regarding the weather or leaving the port after listening to the news of the questionable weather. One of the risks that boaters face is high seas and poor visibility, which are basically the result of not watching the horizon and ignoring the weather reports.
- Catching Fire
Although the fire on board accidents are becoming very rare, it still happens. Make sure that you always sniff for any wandering fuel fumes before departing or deporting the boat and that you have working fire extinguishers on board. Look further for any seasons of leakage like a rainbow-like bilge water or obvious fuel on the bottom. You also have to remember to never start the engine of marine without running the bilge blower first for at least five to ten minutes.
- Running out of Gas
Running out if gas is a very common thing and not a big deal. And it happens more than you care to guess. But you can easily call for one of the towing agency to bring you fuel, even on the water. The reason for being low on fuel could be because of many reasons as in miscalculating your return or you may have to skirt or avoid the unexpected storms. So, make sure that you take stock of what you plan to do and calculate the fuel accordingly before you leave the dock.
- Lacking Proper Safety Gear
Many boaters simply don’t pay attention to their safety gear on their boat. More often than not, they depart without even having the proper sizes and number of life jackets. And many people just leave the port without properly functioning lights or working flares. Anchor plays an important role in a storm or breakdown, which boaters often overlook. Not only this, proper boat maintenance is also vital for safe operation. Make sure that you make all the necessary checks to ensure the safety and condition of your boat.
- Improper Lookout
Another, one of the most common causes of boating accidents is the lack of proper lookout. Boaters usually give the, i didn’t see it coming, reaction, whenever there is a collision. But it is your job to see it coming as you are designated to watch for hazards or threats. Maintaining a lookout is essential for safe boating, whether you are on the fly or at the anchor.
So, these are the reasons that cause boating accidents. If you or your loved one has got injured in a boating accident because of someone’s wrongdoing or negligence, you can hire a boat accident lawyer and seek compensation for injuries, damages and loss of wages. An experienced and professional vehicle lawyer can help you better in these incidents and further in your legal rights.