Massachusetts Personal Injury Library
Boating Safely with Friends (Part B)
Prevent Driver Inattention
Water sports can be boisterous, and the rigors of being outdoors at sea take a physical toll. If you are a passenger, do all you can to aid the boat operator in staying focused on piloting the craft. Conversation and sightseeing should take a back seat to navigation and troubleshooting.
Never interfere with activity involving:
- Refueling
- Loading or unloading at boat ramps
- Maneuvering through congested waters
- Communicating with Coast Guard officials or authorities
Boat drivers can reduce the chances of an accident due to distraction by planning ahead. Perform a safety check before guests arrive. Brief your friends with safety basics and demonstrate how to wear a PFD properly before heading out. Show them around the boat if it is sizeable. If it is a smaller craft, discuss how to evenly distribute weight before boarding.
Prevent Operator Error
Safe operation practices are required by law, and violating them can be accidental, willful or the result of contributing factors such as recklessness and intoxication.
Operator errors include:
- Speeding over the posted limit
- Swerving to avoid obstacles
- Collisions caused by a lack of running lights after dark
Swimmers, water skiers, passengers and boat crew can be harmed in a wide variety of safety incidents provoked by driver action, whether intentional or not.
Knowledge of the laws and safety imperatives reduces the risk of accidents. Everyone who drives a boat should take a safety course, with periodic refreshers. An accident study compiled for the United States Coast Guard notes the rate of incidents adversely correlates to recent safety training. It also notes the direct relation of alcohol consumption and water accidents.
If you operate a boat, don’t drink. If your passengers are drinking, don’t let them take the wheel or tiller, even for a short period of time. Your boat registration and personal liability may depend on it. If you are injured on a friend’s boat due to boating under the influence or another legal violation, a personal injury attorney can help you.
If you have been in a boating accident in Boston, MA, Kiley Law Group will evaluate your case for FREE. Contact us today at 1-888-208-1695. There are NO FEES unless one of our personal injury lawyers wins your case.
