Alcohol Makes Deadly Waters Deadlier on Lake Havasu

People from all over the map flock to Lake Havasu every year to enjoy the cool waters of the lake and the Colorado River nearby. But one of the unfortunate results of this popularity is that it leads to a high number of Arizona boating accidents, especially when alcohol is involved. Alcohol makes deadly waters deadlier, but accidents involving drugs or alcohol still happen far too often on lakes.

In fact, Lake Havasu ranks highly on many lists of the most dangerous lakes in the United States. Sadly, it appears that there is one factor that drives this reality more than any other – the presence of alcohol in the systems of boaters. The prevalence of alcohol has led many who have been injured and loved ones of those who have been killed to seek the help of a personal injury attorney in order to enforce their legal rights.

Boating Accident Statistics

In 2022, the Coast Guard counted 4,040 accidents that involved 636 deaths, 2,222 injuries, and approximately $63 million dollars of damage to property as a result of recreational boating accidents. Unfortunately for many on the water at any given time, alcohol use is the leading known contributing factor in fatal boating accidents. This statistical trend is all but a certainty on Lake Havasu and the Colorado River.

Other Leading Causes of AZ Boating Accidents

Aside from the serious problem with alcohol and boating that persists, there are other common causes of recreational boating accidents in the United States. These factors include:

• Operator inattention
• Operator inexperience
• Excessive speed
• Improper lookout

Many of these factors would look similar to those that contribute to car accidents, but law enforcement is making a concerted effort to curb the abuse of alcohol by boaters for obvious reasons.

If you or someone you love has been harmed by a boater who was negligent in any way, contact the Arizona accident lawyers at Phillips Law Group today to schedule a free initial consultation.