Boat Accidents: Taking Time To Stay Safe

Safety is a major goal for all of us, and we all seek it in different ways. Oftentimes, safety only comes from following rules. This is especially the case whenever large groups of people have gathered and need to disperse. There is a reason it is wrong to yell “fire” in a crowded theater. When a large amount of people try to leave the same place at the same time, bad things can happen.

These risks are amplified when people are operating vehicles, and even more amplified when those vehicles are harder to control than a car. After a recent fireworks display over the ocean near Florida, a large number of boats all tried to leave the same crowded area of water at the same time, and disaster occurred. The terrible accident happened when two long pleasure boats both tried to take the same route back to the marina. When they collided, multiple people were injured and thrown into the water. The coast guard saved as many as they could, but two who were pulled from the water that night did not make it, and two more bodies were found the next day.

Safety must always come first, whether on the water or leaving any other packed area. When leaving a big event:

• Don’t fight the current; go in the same direction as the rest of the crowd at the same pace they are moving.
• Don’t be in a hurry; leave ample time before you need to be anywhere after the event ends.
• Bring a book or some other form of entertainment to kill time while you wait for the crowd to thin.
• Be extra careful in areas where people have been drinking.
• Keep together with the rest of your group so nobody gets lost or left behind.

If you or someone you love has been injured or killed in a boat accident or at a major event, make sure you get the care you need. Sometimes this care can be expensive, and since it is the result of another person’s negligence, never hesitate to contact a lawyer to help you make the responsible party pay.