Winnipesaukee Forum - View Single Post

NHFreedom · 03-15-2006, 01:12 PM

I'll agree with the notion that slower is safer in the sense that if I hit another boat going 2 MPH the potential for killing someone would be less that if I hit the same boat at 50 MPH. I think the real question is what level of risk are we as citizens willing to accept to maintain our personal liberties? Are we willing to accept on average 2-3 deaths per year on our lakes?

150 fatalities on our roads last year and there isn't the same chorus of people looking to lower speed limits on the highways. 2 or 3 fatalities on the lake and all of a sudden we NEED speed limits. You know what I think? I think 2 or 3 fatalities a year is an acceptable number. Everything we do has some inherent danager - crossing the road for instance probably killed more people last year than boating accidents.

I agree this is a misguided attempt -a conspiracy by old timers and tree huggers - to get the high powered boats off the lake. If that's the case come out an say it, don't cloak your real agenda in a proposal that is misguided and limits the freedom of the responsible majority.

I hate to propose any idea that would increase safety, because I think the current level of inherent risk is low. Maybe we should focus on laws that reduce fear, since fear is what seems to be pervasive among those who canoe and kayak. I have some ideas for laws. First, make all kayaks and canoes florescent glow-in-the-dark pink, that way no sober boater will miss them. Secondly, pass stiffer penalties for irresponsible boating. If you get caught drunk behind the wheel your boat should be seized on the spot - this includes kayaks and canoes.

The issue becomes fear from stupidity, not fear from speed. There will always be a stupid minority on the lake. Some have argued that we cannot legislate stupidity and I agree, but what we can do is make the consequences to stupid behavoir so stiff that maybe stupid people will think twice.

Lastly, I must say that the points made by the canoers and kayaks are lame. First of all, you have just as much of a right to be out in the broads on the 4th of July weekend as I have to blow by you at 150 ft distance at 100 MPH, just don't complain that its dangerous. Remember what I said about stupidity? Use your head, use common sense...stick to the coves if you feel that you're in danger. There are a lot of things I refrain from doing that one could argue reduce my freedom because I don't feel comfortable doing them in the surrounding environment. Its not my right to change that environment such that the masses are penalized. If you like to canoe in peace and quiet, go to Squam. If you like the ocean experience without so many boats, go to the ocean. If you like a large lake, big waves, and lots of fast boats, come to Winni!

03-15-2006, 01:12 PM	#79
NHFreedom Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 6 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	The real issue: What's an acceptable level of risk? I'll agree with the notion that slower is safer in the sense that if I hit another boat going 2 MPH the potential for killing someone would be less that if I hit the same boat at 50 MPH. I think the real question is what level of risk are we as citizens willing to accept to maintain our personal liberties? Are we willing to accept on average 2-3 deaths per year on our lakes? 150 fatalities on our roads last year and there isn't the same chorus of people looking to lower speed limits on the highways. 2 or 3 fatalities on the lake and all of a sudden we NEED speed limits. You know what I think? I think 2 or 3 fatalities a year is an acceptable number. Everything we do has some inherent danager - crossing the road for instance probably killed more people last year than boating accidents. I agree this is a misguided attempt -a conspiracy by old timers and tree huggers - to get the high powered boats off the lake. If that's the case come out an say it, don't cloak your real agenda in a proposal that is misguided and limits the freedom of the responsible majority. I hate to propose any idea that would increase safety, because I think the current level of inherent risk is low. Maybe we should focus on laws that reduce fear, since fear is what seems to be pervasive among those who canoe and kayak. I have some ideas for laws. First, make all kayaks and canoes florescent glow-in-the-dark pink, that way no sober boater will miss them. Secondly, pass stiffer penalties for irresponsible boating. If you get caught drunk behind the wheel your boat should be seized on the spot - this includes kayaks and canoes. The issue becomes fear from stupidity, not fear from speed. There will always be a stupid minority on the lake. Some have argued that we cannot legislate stupidity and I agree, but what we can do is make the consequences to stupid behavoir so stiff that maybe stupid people will think twice. Lastly, I must say that the points made by the canoers and kayaks are lame. First of all, you have just as much of a right to be out in the broads on the 4th of July weekend as I have to blow by you at 150 ft distance at 100 MPH, just don't complain that its dangerous. Remember what I said about stupidity? Use your head, use common sense...stick to the coves if you feel that you're in danger. There are a lot of things I refrain from doing that one could argue reduce my freedom because I don't feel comfortable doing them in the surrounding environment. Its not my right to change that environment such that the masses are penalized. If you like to canoe in peace and quiet, go to Squam. If you like the ocean experience without so many boats, go to the ocean. If you like a large lake, big waves, and lots of fast boats, come to Winni!