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The latest accident statistics for Florida boaters

On Behalf of | Jul 15, 2022 | Personal Injury |

While the total number of boating accidents recorded last year was down from the previous one, the bad news is that there were still a total of 751 mishaps. Boating accidents caused 60 fatalities, 469 injuries, and $20 million in property damage overall.

The total of boating accidents has decreased

The number of boating accidents actually decreased from the figures that were recorded in 2020. These included a total of 836 accidents and 79 fatalities. The number of boating accidents in Florida increased by a wide percentage along the Treasure Coast. This area was the source of 43 accidents in which four people were killed. However, Miami-Dade is still the area with the most recorded boating accidents, listed as 95. Monroe County also recorded a high number of accidents at 91.

Most common causes of boating accidents

Many boating accidents are caused by the same kinds of issues as motor vehicle accidents on the highway. These include speeding, not wearing proper protective gear, and distracted driving. A boat takes longer to react than a car does, so you have to plan moves earlier than you would in an automobile. According to experts in the safety industry, the most common causes of boating accidents were collisions with other vessels or fixed objects.

The number of vessels being registered in Florida increases with each passing year. This is largely due to the fact that over 1,000 people per day relocate to Florida. Many of these people are moving here because of the widespread water access and ubiquitous boating culture. As a result, boating safety and boating accident prevention have never been more important.