It's nice to have you on the same page now APS, in regards to BUI. Just a cursory review of the old debates reveals that BUI was not a highlight of WINNFABS campaign, nor any of their supporters. Certainly not all accidents on the water are a result of impaired driving, but a huge percentage are.
Many of us suggested that the primary primary focus of enforcement should be to focus on;
1) reckless and dangerous boaters
2) BUI
Sometimes, the two go hand in hand.
WINNFAB supporters were furious when I pointed out;1)the relative low speed of the accidents they harped on but 2) The obvious impairment of the person piloting the boats that caused the accidents.
I'm not prejudice at all on the water. I think anyone, in any boat, regardless of size or speed, should have action taken against them if they engage in impaired driving or any manner of reckless activity that endangers others.
While some disagree, I still believe that last decade's two most infamous accidents would have occurred if the speed limit law was in place. Both accidents occurred (IMO), because of the bad judgement on the part of the skippers. Whether their bad judgment began in a bar, or out on the lake, it still boils down to what they personally are responsible for.
I also believe that if people had focused their outrage on the how and why of these accidents, safety on the lake would be even better than it is today. Instead of grudges, selfishness, and whatever personal agendas exist, real problems are left to deal with.
I don't care whether a drunk is in a 19' bowrider or a 50' catamaran, both drivers need to be stopped, and both need to be escorted off the lake and away from everyone else.
APS, this is a quote that has been repeated many times by some of us. Do you like it now?
Coast Guard officials say that alcohol remains the leading contributing factor to boating fatalities.
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