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Lighting rules questioned after Alabama boating fatality

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Boat Lighting is Important

A recently-released report by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency concluded fault for the deadly June collision could be shared by the two boat operators involved. A 66-year-old Alexander City resident died after the pontoon boat he was operating was struck by a bass boat. Investigators think the pontoon boat’s rear light was not clearly visible but also believe the bass boat operator was speeding.

The U.S. Coast Guard requires boats to be lit in a certain way to ensure full visibility. Boat owners are expected to have white lights on the stern, green lights on starboard and red lights on the portside.

The pontoon boat operator had a required rear light on the top of the boat. However, investigators think the light may have been poorly positioned, a problem often caused by operators who fail to reposition lights after taking down and putting up a pontoon boat’s soft top.

Authorities estimated the bass boat was traveling at speeds of over 40 mph at the time of the crash. Speed limits on Lake Martin are the same whether boats are traveling during the day or night. Boaters must decelerate in idle speed areas, but there are no speed limits beyond those areas.

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Violating Boating Regulations Can Be Negligence

Experienced boaters know proper lighting doesn’t necessarily mean bright lighting. Docking lights are bright enough to blind operators of other boats. Some boaters successfully employ LED lights in non-regulation colors or rear strobe lights to improve visibility.

A violation of boating regulations can be used against defendants in personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits. Victims may recover compensation for damages with proof of negligence.

Source: The Alexander City Outlook, “Report on fatal crash creates talk of additional lighting for vessels,” Betsy Iler, Aug. 20, 2015

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