Boating Accident Statistics: What to Know

Are you celebrating Memorial Day weekend by boating on a lake? While boating accidents do not claim as many lives or cause as much damage as car accidents, they have the potential to be devastating.  While a boating accident can happen in any type of vessel, boating accidents statistics indicate that certain types of boats are more likely to be involved in accidents. About 58% of fatal boating accidents occurred in open motorboats, while canoes and kayaks were involved in 19%. Cabin motorboats were much safer, with only 10% of fatal accidents occurring in this type of vessel. Personal watercrafts, like Jet skis, were involved in 7% of fatal accidents and in 30% of all accidents that cause injuries.
Boating accident statistics indicate that the top five primary factors in boating accidents are operator inexperience, operator inattention, alcohol, excessive speed, and improper lookout. This means that most boating accidents are avoidable, many of them simply by paying attention and being a responsible, attentive driver. As in driving a car, having a driver who is distracted, impaired, or inexperienced makes it much more likely that an accident will occur and, if one does, that it will be a serious accident.  According to boating accidents statistics, a boat operator who has been drinking is the number one contributing factor to fatal boating accidents. It was reported as the primary factor in 16% of all boating accidents and as a contributing factor in up to a third. Boating under the influence (BUI) is a criminal offense in every state in the U.S. and is punishable by fines and jail time.
While boating can be a fun and relaxing hobby, it is important to note that boating is not 100% safe. As the boating accident statistics presented here show, taking safety precautions for you and your passengers is a vital part of being a responsible boat operator.