I believe the largest underlying factor for boating accidents is the mindset of the operator. There is a significant difference in the mindset of the operator at the wheel of a vessel (especially recreational) compared with that of a motor vehicle operator. Experience is the key factor. Let's face it, even the most experienced captain has far fewer hours on a boat then they do behind the wheel of an automobile. Especially when you consider those who operate a boat in colder climates where waterway activity occurs only a few months out of the year. At the beginning of every season there is a learning curve for the boat operator to overcome, especially when water conditions vary from moment to moment, water levels vary from one dry winter to a very wet one, etc...
Recreational boaters are typically more willing to take unnecessary risks that the operator of a motor vehicle is not as willing to take. We all see the significant impact of motor vehicle crashes, and they happen so frequently across the nation. Most motorists are not willing to take unnecessary risks based on observations and experiences. Relatively few boaters have first hand observations or experience of boating accidents which is why I believe we see so many issues with overloaded vessels, lack of pfd's on a vessel or the wearing of a pfd, negligent operations, and the list goes on and on and on.
On a hot sunny day with a boat full of friends and family, many operators that I have observed are focused with going out and having fun. They've put the stress of the work week behind them, and are committed to helping everyone on their vessel have a fun filled day, often at the risk of ignoring laws governing safe equipment and safe operation. I have issued thousands of traffic citations on the road in my twenty years as a peace officer. I have rarely received a complaint, and I rarely go to court with regard to my traffic enforcement. Most people in our society understand and expect to be stopped and cited when they are going too fast, they run a red light, or they California stop the intersection ;) They expect to be stopped if they haven't taken the time to scrape their windows on a cold winter morning, or they have a burned out headlight. On the other hand, I have received numerous complaints, and had to de-escalate several highly agitated recreational boat operators over the years due to my enforcement and inspection efforts on the water. People in general don't like to be bothered by the "water cops" when they are recreating. They just want to go out and have fun, and to not be disturbed while having fun. This is especially true with new operators on the water their first few seasons. There is no education when someone buys a new boat with regard to safety equipment that is needed. There is no directive or law stating that someone must take a course to operate a boat just like they would to get a drivers license for a motor vehicle. New operators are often ignorant when it comes to understanding that there are navigational rules dictating the mode of travel on river, or who has the right of way on a reservoir. It's open water with no lines, no traffic signals, and no posted speed limits, just GO!
Through consistent education through a variety of means, coupled with an aggressive enforcement presence on the waterways; we can drive the number of boating fatalities down. If we never pulled motorists over for speeding, running red lights, or careless driving, there would be no incentive for motorists to follow traffic law. The same holds true on our waterways. When boat operators, just like motor vehicle operators know the law and see it is being enforced, there will be more compliance on the waterways, and the risk taking behavior will decrease.
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Kenneth Mencl
Sergeant
Twin Falls County Sheriff's Office
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Original Message:
Sent: 12-03-2021 03:02 PM
From: Michelle Brannon
Subject: Other reasons for car accidents other than 'driver error.'
Thank you for sharing this article and connecting this same point to boating incidents. I agree, too often the contributing factors are left out of the conversation after an incident.
My son was electrocuted by a powerline while sailing. Could he have prevented it? Maybe. It's like saying the victim of a car crash should not have been driving. Part of the mission of PLSI (Power Line Safety Initiative) is to encourage lake managers and state agencies to be proactive in making the lake safe for all types of recreational use. That includes making sure that power lines crossing lakes are inspected regularly, well maintained, line heights are at or above regulations and marked as hazards. A boat operator on a public lake should have reasonable assurance that the lake is safe.
Michelle Brannon
Power Line Safety Initiative
www.powerlinesaredangerous.com
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Michelle Brannon
Power Line Safety Initiative
Original Message:
Sent: 11-30-2021 03:39 PM
From: Chris Edmonston
Subject: Other reasons for car accidents other than 'driver error.'
Here is an interesting article about car accidents, and how they may have contributing factors beyond 'driver error'.
This article compels me to ponder what other factors there are that impact boating accidents beyond DUI, improper lookout, no PFD, no education, etc.
I personally think one of the biggest reasons boating accidents/fatalaties have gone down over the past few decades is that boats are better constructed today--just as cars are.
Can we improve traffic seperation schemes? Can we mitigate congested boating areas? Improve lighting?
The Deadly Myth That Human Error Causes Most Car Crashes| Outline | remove preview |
 | | The Deadly Myth That Human Error Causes Most Car Crashes | | Every year thousands of Americans die on the roads. Individuals take the blame for systemic problems. | | View this on Outline > |
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Chris Edmonston
President
BoatU.S. Foundation
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