Consuming alcohol or drugs before operating a boat increases the chances of which of the following?

Consuming alcohol or drugs before operating a boat significantly increases the chances of a boating accident due to the impairments these substances cause. Alcohol and drugs can lower coordination, reaction times, and judgment, all of which are critical skills needed for safe boating. This impairment reduces a boater's ability to assess risks, respond quickly to hazards, navigate effectively, and make sound decisions, ultimately leading to a higher likelihood of accidents on the water.

While falling overboard, losing your way, or experiencing equipment failure can also occur in some scenarios, they are not as directly correlated with the impairments caused by substance use as accidents are. Boating accidents encompass a broader range of incidents that can occur as a result of the impaired abilities of the person operating the boat, such as colliding with other vessels, running aground, or capsizing, all of which are more likely when judgment and reflexes are compromised.