There are many causes of boating accidents. One of the growing causes of boating accidents is distraction. A boater may become distracted while operating a watercraft, which can increase the risk of collision with other boats and property.
A distracted boating accident can lead to serious injuries, losses and property damage. Victims of boating accidents can suffer traumatic injuries. Some distracted boating accidents can even lead to wrongful deaths.
It is important to understand why a distracted boating accident happened and what it takes to hold liable parties responsible for their negligence. Here you can explore the common causes of distracted boating:
What causes distracted boating accidents?
Distracted boating happens when an operator does one of the following:
- Take their hands off the controls of the boat
- Looks away from the path ahead of them
- Becomes focused on something other than operating the watercraft
Many of the reasons a boater may become distracted are similar to the causes of other motor vehicle accidents. Some boxers become distracted because they receive a call or text. A phone notification may cause a boater to prioritize their phone when responding to their notification instead of the water.
Passengers can also cause distractions while boating. A boat operator may be more focused on the conversation or interactions with passengers, which can divide their attention from the water. Substance use, food and drinks may also cause a boater to become unfocused, increasing the risk of serious injuries.
Victims of boating accidents can — and should — reach out for legal guidance to explore their compensation options.