Quote:
Originally Posted by Bear Islander
HB847 defines an unsafe condition.
Isn't that true of all the other boating regulations? Why do we need a 150' rule. Doesn't 270:29-a already cover that. We need the 150' rule to let operators, MP officers and judges know what the standard for minimum distance is. Otherwise it's just everyones opinion.
So I don't think your argument holds. By your way of thinking all we need is 270:29-a it covers everything.
I disagree, the community needs standards of operation and behavior to further define what constitutes "Careless and Negligent Operation".
Additionaly HB847 sets a different punishment than 270:29-a allowing for violations to effect your drivers license. HB847 also defines an exact time when boaters must change from the daytime speed limit to a nighttime speed limit. And exact limits for both circumstances. Your "Careless and Negligent Operation" rule leaves these things open to interpretation, or to being ignored entirely.
HB847 contains specific language defining the situation, circumstances, offense and punishment. None of that can be found in "Careless and Negligent Operation".
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We have heard all this rhetoric many times already
. Why do we need a 150 foot rule if careless and negligent operations rules took care of every offense? If we do not need speed limits defined for us then why have safe passage defined? That is a flawed argument. You seem to say we need to define every possible unsafe situation or it can not be enforced.
You neglect to talk about all the rules regarding reasonable safe speeds for the conditions and boating responsibly and safely. The rules in place right now are more than adequate to provide proper tools for the Judges and the Marine Patrol.
Your insistance that if we don't need these new speed limits then we don't need many of the other laws is a faulty argument. No new laws are needed. Stronger enforcement of what is in place right now is the solution.