Various regulations govern water safety in Carrollton. These statutes are designed to protect boaters and passengers and place specific responsibilities on operators. They also prohibit actions such as reckless or negligent operation and speeding.
In Carrollton, it is generally prohibited to:
- Operate a motorboat or vessel; or
- Use water skis or similar devices;
- In a willfully or wantonly reckless or negligent manner;
- That endangers others or their property.
Boat operators are also typically not allowed to drive at a speed greater than reasonable and prudent, given the conditions and hazards present.
Furthermore, operating a vessel or using water skis in a manner that endangers or is likely to endanger people or property is also prohibited. Despite these regulations governing operator behavior, violations are common. When a boater disregards these laws and operates their boat irresponsibly, it increases the likelihood of accidents such as:
- Striking a wave at an unsafe angle or speed
- Colliding with another watercraft
- Hitting a fixed object like a pier or bridge
- Crashing for other reasons
If any of these situations result in injuries to passengers or other boaters, a plaintiff may have grounds to file a lawsuit for negligence.