Boating is a popular pastime across the United States, but in certain conditions and without proper safety procedures, it can be dangerous – even deadly. This new map from the team at SI Yachts examined the data on fatal boating accidents and used it to determine which states are the safest and most dangerous for boating.
Their extensive data not only highlights which areas are the safest and most dangerous but also shows us the top causes of fatal boating accidents. Results show that Minnesota is the safest state for boating. Some might have imagined that a state called the “Land of 10,000 Lakes” would offer a lot of chances for accidents, but strong laws dictating boater safety protect people when they take to the water. Other states that topped the safety list include Nebraska, Iowa, North Dakota, and Ohio.
The District of Columbia is the most dangerous boating location because of the famously unpredictable Potomac River. People also tend to drink while boating in this location. The team’s data shows that alcohol use while boating is the number one cause of fatal boating accidents, followed by hazardous waters and then operator inexperience. The most dangerous state to boat in after D.C. is Alaska, where a fall overboard can lead to instant cold shock. Hawaii follows Alaska as the most dangerous, followed by Colorado, Vermont, and New Mexico.
This map gives us a thorough picture of boater safety in the United States. The details on fatal accidents serve as a sobering reminder that a fun activity can turn deadly if we forgo the proper precautions.
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