Distraction and Boating Recipe for Disaster
While motorists are constantly warned against the dangers of distracted driving, it turns out that boaters are also in need of a reminder. According to statistics from the U.S. Coast Guard, operator inattention was the number one reason for boating accidents. Distracted boat drivers were the cause of over 500 incidents, making it an important topic for discussion. The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators reported that 22-24 percent of boating accidents were due to improper lookout and operator inattention combined. Between 9 and 14 percent of fatalities related to boating were also caused by distraction. Common causes of boating accidents include many different types of distractions. Electronic distraction can include a phone or spotlight but can also mean the driver was attempting to use a radio, radar or navigation device. Objects on the boat, such as electronics, can also cause a lighting glare that prevents drivers from being able to see well. Lighting