Although still limited in its acceptance, courts are starting to recognize the doctrine of crashworthiness in recreational boats. This doctrine has long been accepted in the automotive and aeronautical fields, but has been slow in being adopted by the courts in the maritime field.
Crashworthiness is the design of a vehicle so as to minimize injury or death to its occupants if it is involved in an accident.
The two cases which have come to our attention in this regard are Rubin v Brutus Corp. 487 So.2d 360 (Fla. App. 1986) and Rose v Mercury Marine 483 So.2d 1351 (Miss. 1986).
Recent cases are attempting to extend this doctrine to propeller guards to protect people in the water.
Home ! Search Page ! Master index ! Table of Contents for This Issue