Thousands of people throughout the country are injured or killed in boating accidents every year.  With Lake Mead in our back yard and the coast just a few hours away, many Las Vegas residents have not been immune to such accidents.  Please read the following pertinent guidelines for how to avoid boating accidents to ensure such a terrible tragedy does not happen to you or your family.  

Life Jackets

Drowning remains second only to motor vehicle accidents as the leading cause of unintentional injury-related death among children ages one to 14.  Life jackets could prevent approximately two-thirds of all boating-related drownings of children ages 14 and under.  Many adults believe themselves capable of diving into the water to rescue a child who falls overboard, but it can be difficult to locate a child on the water as adults may not notice a child falling overboard right away and children who fall in may not surface immediately. 

Adults should also always wear life jackets as well – not only to keep themselves safe, but to demonstrate safe behavior for their children.  Remember that just as in car accidents, in boating accidents, people can be knocked unconscious, so even an adult who knows how to swim can benefit from a life jacket.

Alcohol Consumption

Driving a boat while intoxicated is just as dangerous and illegal as operating a vehicle while intoxicated.  Boating while under the influence is especially dangerous as there are no traffic signals or lanes out on the open water.

Take Boating Courses

According to the U.S. Coast Guard, operator errors account for 70% of boating accidents.  Take a course to prepare yourself to operate a watercraft.  Many boating safety courses are offered throughout the country, for all types of recreational boaters, and for boaters of all ages.

Pay Attention

Because there aren’t traffic signals or lanes in lakes or oceans, you must constantly be aware of what’s around you. Each person on a watercraft should be looking in a particular direction and keeping a lookout for other boats, people and rocks in the water.  Keep boat radios down low so people can hear each other and people may be able to quickly grab your attention.

Speeding

Many accidents are caused by excessive speed.  Boats do not have brakes and are much harder to stop and slow down than vehicles.  Even when there is not a specified speed limit, use common sense and keep your speed at safe levels. 

Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide released from recreational boats is known as the Silent Killer because you cannot see, smell, or taste carbon monoxide.  The symptoms are similar to seasickness or alcohol intoxication and carbon monoxide can make you sick in seconds. In high enough concentrations, even a few breaths can be fatal.  Carbon monoxide poisoning is responsible for many drownings, as it causes unconsciousness—another reason to always wear a life jacket.  Treat symptoms of seasickness as possible carbon monoxide poisoning. Get the person into fresh air immediately and seek medical attention, unless you’re sure it’s not carbon monoxide poisoning.

To avoid carbon monoxide poisoning, do not stay in an immobile boat with the engine running for an extended period of time, or swim around the back of a boat while the engine is running.  Install and maintain CO alarms inside your boat. Do not ignore any alarm and replace alarms as recommended by the alarm manufacturer. Also, many children like to swim and play near the back of houseboats especially, but ensure that the boat generator is not running while children are playing in that area.

For more information on boating safety, visit www.uscgboating.org.

In my first blog on Nevada driving laws, I outlined laws regarding headlights, seat belts, child safety seats, helmets and unattended children.  Now I will go over some of the Nevada driving laws that when ignored, are the most typical causes of auto accidents and also some of the most misunderstood laws.  The information is found in the Nevada Drivers Handbook, which can be found at http://www.dmv.org.

Following Distance

The rear-end collision is the number one type of crash in Nevada.  To avoid being the cause of a fender-bender, stay behind other vehicles by at least 2 seconds, if you are driving 40 mph or less.  However, most driving instructors recommend up to 4 seconds.  As your speed increases, so should the amount of space between you and the driver in front of you. For example, if you are traveling at 55 mph, you would need almost 7 seconds to stop with perfect brakes and ideal road conditions. At high speeds, or in weather conditions when streets and roads become slippery or visibility is reduced, increase your following distance.

Turning

To make safe and legal turns, make sure you are in the correct lane well ahead of time.  Look ahead, behind and to each side of your vehicle.  Signal your turn at least 100 feet ahead on city streets and 300 feet on open highways.  Watch for and obey traffic signals, signs and pavement markings that direct your movement.  Allow time and space to make your turn safely.  Yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and other traffic.  When turning, be especially aware of pedestrians and bicyclists, as well as other vehicles. Before making your turn, look one more time in each direction.

4-Way Stops

At a 4-way stop, you must wait for vehicles within the intersection, and for those who reach the intersection before you do, to go first.

Yellow Lights

At a yellow light, if you have not entered the intersection, you must stop. If you are already in the intersection, continue moving and clear it safely. NEVER speed up to “beat the light.”

Roundabouts

As you come upon a roundabout, choose which lane you will use, yield to those in the roundabout and wait for a gap in the traffic before entering.  The left lane is for turning left, completing a u-turn or going straight.  The right lane is for turning right or going straight.  Never change lanes. If you are in the inside lane and miss your exit, you must continue around until you reach the exit again.  Use your right turn signal when exiting.

Center Lanes

You may enter a center lane only to make a left turn onto or from the highway.  You may not travel more than 200 feet in a center turn lane before making a left-hand turn and you may not travel more then 50 feet in a center lane after making a left-hand turn onto the highway before merging with traffic.

For more information on all Nevada driving laws, go to http://www.dmv.org.

Photo reprinted from Netstate.com

Many people are unaware that 30 days after moving to Nevada, drivers must obtain a Nevada license.  They must also register their vehicle at the same time, or within 60 days of moving, whichever comes first.  The fine for an unregistered vehicle is $250-$500.  To see who does and does not qualify as a Nevada resident, visit the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles Web site at http://www.dmvnv.com/newresident.htm.

Driver License Requirements

Before going to the DMV, be sure you have all the necessary documents to apply for a Nevada license.  You must bring: 

·       A valid, state-issued driver license or ID card

·       Your social security card, if your social security number is not printed on your driver license or ID; alternatives to a social security card are listed at the link above

·       Additional proof of identity, such as an original birth certificate, U.S. passport, Certificate of Citizenship or Naturalization, or a Permanent or Temporary Resident Card

Tests and Fees

Please note that all drivers who currently hold a valid U.S. license must take the vision test and drivers under the age of 25 are required to take the vision and knowledge tests.  Many people who take the knowledge test fail, so take some time to study the booklet the DMV will provide you before taking the test.  Be prepared to spend $21.25 for your driver license, or $16.25 if you are 65 and older.

DMV Locations and Hours