JEFFERSON CITY, MO. (AP) -- Missouri boating accidents have reached a 20-year low.
The Missouri State Water Patrol says there were 246 boating accidents in 2007. That's the lowest number since 224 accidents were reported in 1986.
Water Patrol Colonel Rad Talbert attributes the decline to several factors.
He says increased state funding has allowed the patrol to keep more experienced officers and purchase improved equipment.
Talbert says the Water Patrol significantly increased sobriety checkpoints around the state.
He also cites a 2004 law requiring anyone born in 1984 or later to pass a boater safety course before driving on Missouri's waterways.
Boating accidents peaked at 419 in 1997.
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