Ways To Prevent Boating Accidents and Injuries

Boating accidents can be devastating and occur more frequently than many people may realize. In 2013, there were 4,062 boating accidents, 560 of them resulting in fatalities. Many boating accidents can be avoided if proper precautions are utilized. Avoiding dangerous activities such as drinking while boating and traveling at reasonable speeds can help avoid serious injuries. If you ever find yourself injured by cause of a boating accident, you may need the assistance of a quality auto accident attorney.

Tips To Avoid and Prevent Boating Accidents & Injuries

By following some simple tips, you can avoid adding to the statistics. Always put safety first and exercise extreme caution when on the water. Here are some tips to avoid boating accidents and ultimately boating injuries:

• Refrain from drinking while operating a boat. Drinking while boating is extremely dangerous for the same reasons drinking while operating a motor vehicle is dangerous. Your motor skills are impaired and your ability to properly operate the vehicle is diminished. Even if you are not the one operating the boat, becoming intoxicated aboard a ship can be extremely dangerous. Many boating accidents involve passengers that fall overboard and drown. You can be arrested for operating a sea vessel while intoxicated. If you are ever stopped by the coast guard and caught drinking and driving a boat, you are going to need the assistance of a quality Charlotte law firm to defend you.
• Drive at a reasonable speed. Although there are no posted speed limit signs like there are on the road, there is a general limitation imposed on operators of vessels to travel at a speed that is safe under the existing circumstances so as to not endanger other individuals or property. Failing to do so is considered reckless and against the law.
• Keep your vessel up to date with repairs and maintenance. Not having a properly functioning boat is almost the same as taking a ticking time bomb out to sea.
• Utilize life jackets. Having a life jacket can be the difference between life and death when involved in a ship wreck. North Carolina law requires that flotation devices be readily available for all persons on board any type of recreational vessel.
• Enroll in a boating safety course. One of the best ways to prevent a boating accident is to keep yourself up to date on the newest and safest boating techniques so that you can tackle the problems that can occur while operating a vessel.

Boating can be an extremely enjoyable activity, but it can also become very dangerous when not done correctly. If you or a loved one has been injured in a boating accident, you have rights and may be entitled to compensation. Consulting an experienced catastrophic injury lawyer to represent you can make a world of difference. Contact Campbell & Associates today for a free consultation with one of our experienced lawyers in Charlotte, North Carolina.