Which of the following is a primary cause of propeller strike accidents?

The primary cause of propeller strike accidents is operator inattention or carelessness. Such accidents often occur when boat operators fail to maintain awareness of their surroundings or do not properly monitor the safety of passengers or other boats in the area. For example, if an operator is distracted, they might not notice someone in the water or another vessel nearby, increasing the risk of a propeller strike.

High speed in open water, while potentially dangerous, does not directly correlate with propeller strikes as a primary cause. Operators can travel at high speeds without incident if they remain vigilant and attentive. Similarly, improper equipment maintenance can lead to mechanical failures or engine issues, but these do not primarily lead to propeller strikes specifically. Weather conditions can affect boating safety, yet they typically do not serve as the direct cause of propeller strike accidents. Operator awareness and attentiveness are crucial for safe navigation to prevent such mishaps.