Reference

Boating Safety



While most veteran skippers know and follow safe boating skills and procedures, the recreational boater may be well advised to occasionally brush up. Here are a few boating rules and some information on boating safety courtesy of the U.S. Coast Guard.
When two watercraft approach each other head-on, both must alter their course to the right to avoid collision. If two watercraft are safely to the left of one another, no change in direction is needed.
When two power-driven boats are crossing, the craft that has the other on its starboard (right) has responsibility for staying clear.
Non-powered craft (canoes, sailboats, etc.) have the right of way over powered craft except when the non-powered craft is overtaking or passing.
A craft being overtaken by another boat traveling the same direction must maintain speed and course. The passing craft must keep sufficient distance to avoid collision or endangering the other craft from the boat’s wake.
When a boating accident occurs, involved craft and individuals should remain on the scene, much like a road vehicle accident, and exchange information.
Most deaths among boaters result from falling overboard and capsizing. In a small boat, resist the urge to stand up. If you do move about, keep your weight low and balanced over the center of the craft.
Approved personal flotation devices (PFDs) or life jackets now are stylish, comfortable and affordable as well as practical. Models for all ages and various boating activities are available.
Collisions between boats or with an object don’t just happen. Rather, they usually are the result of inattention, fatigue or lack of knowledge about boating procedures.
Each of these factors is exacerbated when alcohol is involved. In fact, alcohol is involved in up to half of all boating accidents. Even moderate amounts of alcohol adversely affect body functions such as balance, coordination, vision and judgment.
Combining effects of alcohol with cold water can speed the onset of hypothermia (lowering of inner-body temperature) and can cause even good swimmers to drown. Designate a skilled, non-drinking boat operator for outings on waters where alcohol is permitted on boats.
While most boaters respect large dams, many, especially those in smaller craft such as canoes, tend to minimize dangers of lowhead dams—structures 10 feet high or less.







During periods of high water, backwash created by water pouring over the dam causes a dangerous cycle. Objects—including people wearing PFDs—are taken to the bottom of the stream, released to the surface, sucked back to the face of the dam and pushed again to the bottom.
Keep an eye on the weather, especially in large, shallow bodies of water.
If someone is in trouble in the water, use basic rescue methods first, such as throwing a floating object to the victim. Personally enter the water only as a last resort and then take a buoyant object with you.
Before you leave for a boating or fishing trip, provide someone with specific details of where you are going and when you will return. This will assist authorities if a search is necessary.
To learn more about boating and water safety, call (800) 336-BOAT (2628).

Accident Tips

Because auto accidents often are frightening and frustrating, it is a good idea to understand steps you should follow when the unexpected does occur. Here are some time-tested recommendations:
First, be careful of traffic. Many serious accident begin as minor mishaps that trigger a second crash.
Do not move your vehicle unless you have a witness or there is a hazard.
Get help for the injured.
Call the nearest law enforcement agency.
Talk to other drivers involved. Do not discuss fault. In exchanging information, get the names and phone numbers of insurance companies.
Obtain names and phone numbers of witnesses to the accident as well as those of other drivers and occupants.
If your vehicle hits a parked vehicle or causes damage to property, notify the owner of leave a note, and then notify police.
Make a diagram of the accident scene.
Call your local agent or insurer as soon as possible. After you report the accident, your insurer will schedule an appointment to determine vehicle damage and arrange for settlement.
Those are the basics to follow at scene. Here are a few tips to help you be better prepared:
1. Keep copies of important documents in safe place in your vehicle—not the glove compartment—wherethey will not be destroyed, lost or stolen.
2. Carry an insurance card in your wallet or purse, showing your company and coverages.
3. Periodically review your auto coverages with your agent or insurance company representative. Consider liability limits and the need for collision and rental coverage Be ready with questions to clarify any uncertainties.
4. Know that If another driver is at fault, you may choose to use your own insurance company to pay for your repairs and medical bills. This often is simpler since your insurer works with the other driver’s insurance company to recover claims paid to you and to recover your deductible amount.
5. Be aware that many insurers waive the deductible if they insure two or more involved vehicles.
6. Your premium probably will not be adversely affected if the other driver is at fault. However, your insurer’s claims adjuster or representative may further investigate the accident if there is a chance of liability claims being filed against you.
Although a police report may not cite you for causing the accident, you later could be found partially at fault and responsible for part of the settlement. That is why it is best not to discuss fault at the scene of the accident and to work with your insurer to settle claims.
7. Keep records of major maintenance bills, such as engine overhaul, transmission overhaul, new paint, etc. This will help provide proof of vehicle condition prior to an accident.
8. Settlements usually include depreciation for parts that are periodically replaced, such as the battery or tires. A decision to repair rather than replace damaged parts is based on the type of damage and materials.



Rollover Precautions

If you assume your full-size pickup truck or large utility vehicle is as safe or safer to drive than the family sedan, you’re right—larger vehicles tend to produce fewer and less costly accidents.
But beware if you drive a small pickup or small utility vehicle. Their accident results show a much higher chance of injury than results of passenger cars.
Why? One big reason is what is called the rollover factor. Rolling over is involved in 80 percent of all motorist deaths in single-vehicle crashes of small utility vehicles. Nearly 10,000 people died last year in passenger vehicles that rolled over and nearly two thirds of rollover deaths involve ejection, including through rear doors of utility vehicles.
Standards for automobiles always have differed from those applied to light trucks and utility vehicles. That’s because for years manufacturers built pickups and utility vehicles mainly for cargo, not passengers. But changing consumer tastes now make these models the fastest growing segment of new vehicle sales. Today, they’re hauling a lot more passengers than cargo.
The design differences that have excluded light pickups and small utility vehicles from many auto safety standards also make them handle differently than cars.
For example, vehicles made for off-road use or for carrying heavy loads is designed differently than a passenger car and have a higher center of gravity to handle rugged surfaces.
Brakes are designed to be aggressive on the rear axle, so the front brakes don’t overheat when transporting loads and need to quickly stop.
Hard braking many times results in skidding. If the rear brakes lock up, the driver may find the vehicle swapping ends with one another. The vehicle may then skid sideways down the road and begin to roll over because of the gravity.factor.
In general rollover accident occur happen when drivers expect light trucks or utility vehicles to perform like regular cars and make quick lane changes or corner too fast.