Boating Laws: Preventing Boating Accidents
Even though boating accidents are not as frequent compared to road traffic accidents, it still results in many injuries, as well as fatalities. Some of the watercrafts that may be involved in boating accidents include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Privately-owned boat
- Cruise ship
- Jet ski
- Ferry
- Other kinds of watercrafts
California Boating Accident Statistics
The problems concerning boating accidents are remarkably serious in California. Here are some statistics to help you better understand the gravity of these issues:
- There are almost 900,000 registered vessels in California (the number of watercrafts may possibly play a part in the occurrence of boating accidents)
- There were 744 boating accidents that were reported in 2004. These resulted in 439 injuries and 44 deaths, and caused more than $4 million worth of property damage.
Causes of Boating Accidents
Majority of boating accidents could be prevented. One of the most common causes of these incidents is the inattention or inexperience of operators.
According to a 2004 report by the State of California, the most frequent causes of fatal boating accidents are capsizing, collisions with other vessels, and followed by individuals falling overboard.
There are different factors that can cause boating accidents and in a large number of these incidents, alcohol is often a factor. As estimated by the United States Coast Guard, boat operators who have a blood alcohol concentration above .10 are ten times more likely to be killed in a boating incident compared to operators who have not been consuming alcohol. In 2004, more or less 38% of all fatal boating accidents in California involve alcohol and two-thirds of victims were boat passengers.
California Boating Laws
Owners and operators of boats in Los Angeles are obliged to abide by both federal and state law in the operation and maintenance of vessels. These laws are intended to prevent boating accidents and reduce the risks of the occurrence of injuries and deaths. Here are some of the state laws:
- Under the California law, it is prohibited to operate any vessel in a negligent or reckless manner in an attempt to endanger any person’s life, limb, or property. Some examples of negligent actions include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Operating through or near areas that are used by divers or swimmers
- Operating erratically
- Operating a vessel in such a way that it has to cut speed or abruptly swerve so as to avoid a collision.
- It is prohibited to operate a vessel at an improper speed. This includes speed that is not prudent and reasonable on the basis of visibility, weather conditions, boating traffic, or any other potential risks.
- Passengers are not allowed to ride on gunwales, bow, or other areas where there is a high risk of falling overboard.
- It is unlawful to operate a vessel in a hazardous condition that will endanger the passengers of a vessel as well as others on the waterway. Some of hazardous conditions include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Having an insufficient number of fire extinguishers or life jackets
- Fuel leaks
- Failure to display navigation lights
- Inadequate ventilation
- Excessive water accumulation in the bilge
Getting Help
If you have been involved in an accident involving vessels, it is advisable that you seek legal assistance from skilled lawyers in Los Angeles who are experienced in dealing with cases of boating accidents.
