What is the primary cause of most PWC accidents involving other vessels?

The primary cause of most personal watercraft (PWC) accidents involving other vessels is related to jumping waves and maneuvering around boat wakes. When operating a PWC, riders often enjoy the thrill of jumping over waves or wakes created by larger vessels. This activity can lead to loss of control, making it challenging to navigate around other boats safely. The excitement and speed involved can distract operators from maintaining proper situational awareness, increasing the risk of collisions.

While high speeds near docks is a significant concern and can certainly lead to accidents, the specific nature of PWC operation typically contributes to more incidents when it comes to maneuvering in rough water conditions caused by waves. Operating without a life jacket is indeed dangerous, but it does not directly relate to the accidents themselves; rather, it is a safety concern upon collision. Lastly, collisions at slow speeds do occur, but they are not the most common cause when it comes to PWC accidents, which are often characterized by higher speeds and more dynamic maneuvers.