With temperatures rising here in the greater Chicago area, thousands of Illinoisans are gearing up to take their boats out on the water. From Lake Michigan to Lake Potawatomi, Illinois is home to some of the nation’s most beautiful boating opportunities. Unfortunately, boating accidents are common. If you or a loved one are injured in a boating accident, contact an experienced legal team as soon as possible. 

Boating Accident Statistics 

Throughout 2017, approximately 4,300 recreational boating accidents occurred in the United States. In many of those accidents, passengers were severely injured. According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, 2,629 boaters suffered injuries that required medical attention in 2017. Of those injured, 658 ultimately died due to their injuries. 

With the summer months in full bloom here in the greater Chicago area, many Chicagoans are hauling their boats out to Illinois’ impressive number of boating attractions. From Lake Michigan to Rock River, Illinois offers boating enthusiasts a wide array of recreational opportunities. However, with the fun and excitement of boating comes risk. 

According to the United States Coast Guard, 4,291 boating accidents occurred throughout the United States in 2017 alone. In all, 2,629 Americans suffered injuries during boating accidents throughout the year, 658 of which proved to be fatal. If your family is planning to enjoy Illinois’ waterways this summer, it is important to know how to keep your family safe. If a member of your family suffers an injury while boating, it is critically important to quickly obtain the medical and legal support you need. 

Avoiding an Accident

Every year, roughly 40,000 people throughout the country are rushed to the emergency room due to ATV-related injuries. ATVs, also known as all-terrain vehicles, are commonly used as recreational vehicles throughout the United States.

As winter continues to fade away, and we head into the sunnier months of the year, thousands of Americans will begin to take out their ATVs. However, with the fun comes incredible danger.

Annually, around 150 children under the age of 16 lose their lives while riding ATVs. According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, May through September represents the most dangerous period of ATV riding in the United States. From 2009 to 2012, just under 400 Americans died in ATV related accidents in the summer months between May and September. In 2015 alone, 97,200 people suffered ATV injuries nationwide.

Many people use recreational vehicles (RV) during the summer; the weather becomes warmer and many people use RVs for camping trips or long-distance travel. However, before you and your family or friends step into a recreational vehicle, it is essential to understand precautions that should be taken to ensure your and your passengers’ safety. The following includes some safety tips that should be adhered to when operating a recreational vehicle:

1. Maintain your propane tank. If left unchecked or not used properly, a propane tank can explode or overheat. Make sure your propane tank is regularly checked by a professional dealer and install a propane gas detector. Never paint your propane tank in a black color because then the tank will quickly absorb sunlight and become overheated.

2. Wear all required gear. Make sure you are wearing a helmet and any other appropriate gear when driving a recreational vehicle. Research indicates that the use of protective gear when driving or riding vehicles and bikes can decrease the likelihood of a serious or fatal injury in an accident.

Operating any kind of recreational vehicle brings with it a level of risk, and ATVs are no exception. Studies have shown that ATV rollovers are a major cause of fatalities and countless injuries. Fatalities are typically caused by the ATV crushing the rider or by rider falls, where the rider is ejected and makes impact with the ground or other objects.

The design of an ATV can also be problematic depending on the driver and their experience, as well as their level of physical fitness. For example, a short wheel base, narrow track, and high center gravity position can make maneuvering and operating an ATV challenging for those less familiar with riding.

Tips for Staying Safe