Atlanta residents love the outdoors. Optimal weather conditions, sunshine, and beautiful landscapes draw many to the water for recreation. However, accidents happen. In fact, they are common for several reasons in Georgia, many of them similar to the reasons car accidents occur.
The most common causes of Atlanta boating accidents are:
- Alcohol and drug use. The leading cause of fatal boating accidents in Georgia is intoxication. Boating under the influence is illegal in Georgia. The law views it the same as driving a motor vehicle under the influence. Anyone with a blood alcohol content (BAC) above 0.08 is considered intoxicated under Georgia law. Open containers are legal on boats, and passengers can drink. However, those operating boats have to stay sober and alert to operate the vessel safely. If a boat operator is involved in an accident and found to have a BAC over the legal limit, they are negligent.
- Distraction. It’s challenging to see underwater. This fact demands that all boat operators pay close attention to water conditions and any objects in the area of their boats, such as other boats, swimmers, animals, and other objects or protrusions in the water. Diverting their attention for even just a moment can lead to an accident under some conditions.
- Boat operator inexperience. Like driving a passenger vehicle, operating a boat safely and effectively demands experience. Less experienced boat operators are more likely to make innocent mistakes that might cause accidents. Newer boat operators must take extra precautions when they are operating a boat.
- Improper lookout. If a watercraft is large, more than one boat operator or a lookout may be necessary. Having an extra set of eyes on areas near the boat that the boat operator can’t see can significantly decrease the risk of accidents.
- Increased speeds. Also, like operating a car on the road, boating at excessive speeds is nothing less than dangerous. It will increase the risk of a boating accident. Boating at high speeds makes it more difficult to notice hazards and stop suddenly to avoid them. The more time a boat’s operator has to stop after seeing trouble, the better the outcome of the situation.
- Mechanical failure. Sometimes, boat engines can fail or emit dangerously high carbon monoxide gas levels, potentially causing passengers to become ill. Regularly inspecting a boat and ensuring it’s in proper working condition can help reduce mechanical issues and risks.
- Poor weather conditions. Bad weather, including high-speed winds, storms, and rain, often makes navigating the open water more challenging and grows the risk of getting into an accident. Even a particularly sunny day with increased temperatures can lead to the same result as the conditions can make passengers more prone to dehydration and heat-related conditions. Boat operators and passengers should always check the weather forecast before heading out and pack the boat accordingly.
