Boating Hazards

Boats are enjoyed by millions of people every year. Ferries, sailboats, speedboats, skiboats, and a wide variety of other types of boats all spend time on the water every year. While boats are exceptionally fun for all involved, they also pose a number of inherent dangers.

A huge hazard on any boat is the possibility of slipping and hitting one’s head. Boats exist on water. Water has a tendency to make things on which it rests become slick. As many boats are made of slick materials to start with, adding water to the surface does nothing to improve the chances of people not slipping. Once a person slips, he or she can make hard contact with either the deck of the boat or any number of items located on the boat. This can result in broken bones, concussions, or cuts and scrapes.

Another danger when boating is the consumption of alcohol. Alcohol does not do good things for people driving cars and is even more dangerous in boats. Boats are more dangerous as they are generally surrounded by fewer vehicles allowing them to go faster. In addition, they lack brakes. So in the event that the inebriated driver notices an object, he or she does not have the option of hitting the brakes and can only hope to swerve to avoid the object.

Finally, tubing and waterskiing expose people to hazards from other boats in the water. Careless drivers have been known to cause serious issues for those wishing to enjoy their time being pulled along behind a boat.

Contact a Philadelphia Boat Accident Attorney

If you have been injured in a boating accident, contact a Philadelphia personal injury lawyer of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C., at 215-238-1130.