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VtSteve · 04-13-2010, 11:58 AM

I'd agree, having a prominently-displayed sign would be a great idea. It's a pretty basic rule, along with NWZ's, which are also frequently violated around the country.

In addition to that, education on the water is a great thing. Without resorting to tickets/warnings, the MP could pick several weekends this summer (busier the better), to pull over those that violate these two rules. Have a nice, Friendly/civil discussion one on one with the boaters. Explain the rules, how they broke them, and why they are in place.

I know it takes time, but in the end, the MP is the Department of Safety. There is no better way to build good rapport & understanding than to meet a well-meaning LEO who's job is to inform first, enforce second.

I was stopped by a Vt. State policeman once here on a secondary highway. I honestly didn't see the 40 mph sign entering a small town, so the blue lights went on. He and I talked, and he mentioned that three people had been injured near this area in the past few months. I told him I didn't see the sign at all, and the area didn't even look inhabited.

He asked if I would write him a letter concerning my experience there, and how they could best calm down traffic and better prepare people for the upcoming intersection. He gave me his name and home address to send it in. Bid me a good day and off we went.

I left that stop with not only greater awareness, but with a great feeling about what part of the LEO's job should be. I'll never forget it, and it's probably changed the way I look at all LEO's, although not all are that courteous. Interactions like that one on the lake would go a long way over time towards educating people as to what the rules are, and Why they are rules.

Afterthought. This would be a great message via public gatherings for SBONH to endorse. A real public service, that would promote good will and education.

04-13-2010, 11:58 AM	#3
VtSteve Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 1,320 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 230 Thanked 361 Times in 169 Posts	I'd agree, having a prominently-displayed sign would be a great idea. It's a pretty basic rule, along with NWZ's, which are also frequently violated around the country. In addition to that, education on the water is a great thing. Without resorting to tickets/warnings, the MP could pick several weekends this summer (busier the better), to pull over those that violate these two rules. Have a nice, Friendly/civil discussion one on one with the boaters. Explain the rules, how they broke them, and why they are in place. I know it takes time, but in the end, the MP is the Department of Safety. There is no better way to build good rapport & understanding than to meet a well-meaning LEO who's job is to inform first, enforce second. I was stopped by a Vt. State policeman once here on a secondary highway. I honestly didn't see the 40 mph sign entering a small town, so the blue lights went on. He and I talked, and he mentioned that three people had been injured near this area in the past few months. I told him I didn't see the sign at all, and the area didn't even look inhabited. He asked if I would write him a letter concerning my experience there, and how they could best calm down traffic and better prepare people for the upcoming intersection. He gave me his name and home address to send it in. Bid me a good day and off we went. I left that stop with not only greater awareness, but with a great feeling about what part of the LEO's job should be. I'll never forget it, and it's probably changed the way I look at all LEO's, although not all are that courteous. Interactions like that one on the lake would go a long way over time towards educating people as to what the rules are, and Why they are rules. Afterthought. This would be a great message via public gatherings for SBONH to endorse. A real public service, that would promote good will and education.