Boats are Not Toys
After a decline in injury rates since 2008, Texas fatalities from boating accidents are on the rise. The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) reports 28 people were killed in our state in 2010, while 37 died in 2011. Total accidents rose from 163 to 197.
The USCG also reports fatalities across the nation increased over 14 percent in 2011 from 2010 figures — 758 people went out to play one day and never came home.
Our firm represents people injured through negligence of others. Most boating accidents occur not by accident, but negligence. While boats look like oversize toys and are a lot of fun, they are as dangerous as automobiles, especially with an untrained or drunk driver at the wheel.
The following are important points from the USCG:
- Leading factors in boating accidents and fatalities in 2011 included driver inattention, improper lookout, operator inexperience, speeding and equipment failure
- Alcohol was a leading factor in 16 percent of fatalities
- Eight out of every ten boaters who drowned were in vehicles less than 21 feet in length. Vessels frequently involved in accidents included open motorboats, personal watercraft, and cabin motorboats
- In addition to fatalities, boating accidents in 2011 caused 3,081 injuries and $52 million dollars in property damage
Safe boating is responsible boating. Never boat impaired. Know your skill, know your equipment, and make sure passengers are informed and safe. But if injured by the misconduct of others — contact our injury lawyers for experienced, aggressive legal representation.
