Friday, March 2, 2012

Getting injured while at aboard a ship may sound like a rare event, it isn't

By Yazinthe Steinfeld


It is well known that Californians are a country of out of doors lovers and there is nothing more delightful than sailing. The state has over 900,000 registered vessels and as a result accident do happen. In fact the most recent figures for boating related accidents in California Make it clear that in 2010 there were over 4500 reported incidents that led to seven hundred deaths and 3200 grave injuries.

A gang of Riverside personal injury attorneys like the Orange County personal injury lawyer who deal with cruising related accidents explain that just like driving on the roads, crossing the streams, oceans, marinas, reservoirs and bays of California requires precise knowledge and experience so as to keep any vessel driver and their passengers safe. With that in mind here are some safety precautions that you must follow.

Always know where your prop is

Being struck by a vessel propeller is one of the most frequent causes of boat related incidents and is the one which can lead to the most deaths and indeed bad injuries. A moving propeller blade may cause up to 160 strikes per second, thus as a vessel operator it's critical that you know precisely where your propeller is.

Don't drink alcohol then drive

Clearly we're all aware about the hazards of drink driving on our community's roads, but strangely one of the most well-liked misconceptions is that folks who operate vessels on waterways are immune from these laws.

On the contrary, people who get caught can face monetary fines and even arrest when caught by the coastguard. Recent studies also show that folk who 'drink and boat ' are twice as likely to get involved in a rather serious situation than people who do not. If you've been involved in an accident with another vessel and you think that the culpable party is or has been under the effects of alcohol, then it is vital that you contact a seasoned Riverside County personal injury attorney who can explain your rights.

Wear a safety vest

It is law that all vessel owners are required to have at least two private flotation devices which have been recognised by the nation's coast guard. However frequently the fact of having them on board might not be sufficient. Instead why not insist that all members on board wear one at all points.




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