Common Boat Accident Causes & How to Avoid Them

Boating accidents are a serious and unfortunate aspect of the hobby, with many people injured each year on the water. However, the fact is that many of these accidents could be easily avoided if boaters were more aware of the causes and how to prevent an incident. Here are some of the more well-known causes of boat accidents so that you can do your part to stay safe on your boat.

Not Paying Attention

One of the biggest causes of boating accidents that is truly 100% avoidable is a simple lack of awareness. People get distracted in so many ways while operating a boat, from trying to find the perfect song to play or eating a meal or arguing with a passenger, and it only takes a few seconds of not paying attention for you to run into another boat or an obstacle. So do your best to minimize distractions and stay focused while you’re actively piloting your boat.

Operating While Intoxicated

Boaters who drink alcohol or use recreational drugs before or while they’re operating their boats are extremely likely to end up getting into an accident. Being intoxicated lowers your inhibitions, making you more reckless, and it also can cause your reflexes to slow down significantly, which means you won’t be able to react in time to get your boat out of the way in a hurry.

Having No Experience

If you’re new to boating, you’ll need to stick to slower speeds on small waterways until you’ve mastered the basics. Novices who attempt to immediately go really fast or try to navigate a complex area full of dangerous obstacles are liable to crash. It’s best to work your way up slowly and gain as much experience as possible before you take on a lot of passengers or attempt activities.

Stop by our location in Hampton Bays, NY, to take a look at our wide array of new and used boats for sale. We’ve also got a convenient marina in Eastport! Hampton Watercraft & Marine is proud to serve our customers in Eastern Long Island, Hampton Bays, and Eastport, New York.