According to the US Coast Guard, boating accident fatalities in the United States fell to record lows in 2010. A total of 672 people died in boating accidents in 2010, some of the lowest numbers on record. Last year, the Coast guard saw some of the greatest progress in saving lives in boating accidents since 2004 when 676 people died in boating accidents. Texas had 31 boating accidents in 2010, and these resulted in eight fatalities.
Nationwide, there were a total of 4,610 in boating accidents in 2010. That is a drop from 4,730 boating accident in 2009. There was also a decrease in the number of injuries resulting from boating accidents. Last year, there were 3153 injuries reported in boating accidents. That was a drop from 3,358 injuries the previous year. Property damage from boating accidents was estimated at about $35 million last year.
Not surprising to maritime attorneys, most boating accidents were traced to alcohol use, operator attention, boating at excessive speeds, and operator experience. By far, the biggest factor in boating accidents in 2010 was alcohol use. It was linked to approximately 19% of the boating accident fatalities last year. This summer, make sure that the operator of your boat is not boating under the influence.
There are other hazards that boaters in Texas need to be aware of the summer. Falling water levels in several lakes could make these water bodies a boating safety hazard. Already, Lake Travis and Lake Buchanan have recorded lower than normal water levels, with Lake Travis already 24 feet below its normal level in June. Boats on these lakes are likely to run aground much more frequently than normal. Besides, the risk of boating accidents increases because of the invisibility of shallow areas. Maritime lawyers would encourage boaters to wear personal protection devices at all times.
