Top 10 Causes of Fatal Boating Accidents

BOATING ACCIDENT STATISTICS

According to recent annual statistics from the U.S. Coast Guard, 3,887 reported boating accidents resulted in the deaths of 556 people while another 2,170 people were injured. 

For 76% of the victims, drowning was the official cause of death. In addition, 87% of those who drowned were not wearing a life jacket at the time of the incident. 

Boat size also played a role. 80% of the boaters who drowned were riding in vessels less than 21 feet long. Almost half of these fatal accidents involved open motorboats, followed by paddlecrafts and personal watercraft.

Alcohol use remains a significant factor in fatal boating accidents, accounting for 20% of fatalities where the primary cause was known. 

Compared to data from the previous year, accidents and injuries increased by 1.1% and 2.1%, respectively, while fatalities decreased by 1.4%.

Finally, these accidents caused approximately $88 million dollars of property damage.

WHY ARE BOATING ACCIDENTS SO DANGEROUS?

Unlike an accident on dry land, emergency medical assistance is not readily available on the water. In addition, if the boat operator is injured, there may not be anyone else who can summon help or drive the boat to shore.

Drowning is the cause of the majority (76%) of boating accident fatalities. When someone goes into the water as the result of a crash, it is unlikely that help will arrive in time to save them.

Knowing that many of these deaths could have been prevented if the victims had worn life jackets makes the statistics even more tragic. Preparation can play a key role in preventing boating accidents. Carrying life jackets, basic safety equipment and sharing a float plan with someone on land may help provide a safer boating experience for you and your passengers.  

WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON CAUSES OF BOATING ACCIDENTS?

The U.S. Coast Guard identifies the following top 10 causes of recreational boating accidents:

1. Operator inattention  

Many accidents are caused by a distracted boat driver who fails to notice an oncoming vessel, sudden squall or other impending danger.

2. Improper lookout

Like a distracted boat driver, a designated lookout person who is not paying attention may inadvertently cause an accident by failing to warn the operator about an obstacle or other hazard.

3. Lack of operator instruction and experience

69% of deaths occurred on boats where the operator had not received proper boating safety instruction. In contrast, only 19% of fatal accidents involved operators who had earned nationally-approved boating safety education certificates. Operator experience was unknown in the remaining 12% of fatal accidents.

4. Machinery or equipment failure

A defective part or equipment malfunction can cause a serious accident. This could be caused by poor maintenance or a flaw in the design or manufacture of the vessel or equipment.

5. Navigation rules violation

Being unfamiliar with the rules governing certain lakes and waterways can result in collisions where people are injured or killed. Navigational laws can vary, even within the same state, so it’s wise to become familiar with the rules for each destination.  

6. Excessive speed

Speeding is a major cause of serious boating accidents, on the water as well as on the highway. In fact, driving a boat at high speed can be more dangerous than speeding in a car because it takes more time to stop or change direction in order to avoid a crash.

7. Alcohol use (by boat drivers and passengers)

Alcohol use was the leading contributing factor in 20% of fatal boating accidents. Operating a boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs is dangerous in addition to being illegal. Michigan laws regarding alcohol use on boats, including a BAC limit of .08%, are similar to those for automobile drivers, and similar penalties apply when the laws are violated.    

8. Hazardous weather conditions

Weather can change rapidly, especially in large bodies of water such as the Great Lakes. Even if the weather is fair at the beginning of a ride, boat operators should monitor weather reports throughout the trip and keep watch for changing conditions.

9. Rough water due to currents or tidal flow

Sudden shifts in the current or tide can result in waters that are rough and hard to navigate, particularly for smaller boats. Therefore, operators should be extra cautious when entering areas that are known for these conditions.

10. Force of wave/wake

When the hull of a boat moves through the water, it creates waves that are known as a wake. Depending on the size and speed of the boat, these waves can be quite strong. In addition, a wake created by a large boat can cause a smaller boat to capsize or veer into another boat.

DON’T FORGET THE LIFE JACKETS

While failing to wear a life jacket does not cause a boating accident, it increases the risk of death when an accident occurs. Sadly, many of the people who drowned in boating accidents during a given year were not wearing life jackets. Michigan boating laws have strict requirements for life jackets. Equip your boat with the proper flotation devices and make sure everyone on board wears one before you leave shore.

LET OUR EXPERIENCED BOATING ACCIDENT LAWYERS START YOUR CASE TODAY

We understand that accidents happen, even to the most cautious boaters. If you or a loved one is injured in a boating accident, call us right away. Our experienced legal team is ready to help you receive the compensation you and your family deserve.

Boating accident law is complicated, but finding the right boating accident lawyer is simple.

Don’t let the legal clock run out. Get started today by filling out the form below or calling 1-800-CALL-SAM for a free, no-obligation remote consultation from the safety of your home.