New poll shows that HB162 support is growing

[Fat Jack]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Nancy Christie,
NH Lakes Association
(603) 226-0299


NEW STATEWIDE POLL INDICATES STRONG SUPPORT FOR 45 MPH DAYTIME /25 MPH
NIGHTTIME SPEED LIMITS ON STATE’S PUBLIC WATERS

Concord, NH (February 16, 2006) – According to a recent poll of New Hampshire
registered voters, 63 percent favor a state law that would place a 45 mph
daytime and a 25 mph nighttime speed limit on all inland public waters – lakes,
ponds and rivers. Only 9% opposed the idea. The study was commissioned by
the New Hampshire Lakes Association, a statewide, non-profit organization whose
mission is to protect the Public Trust, and conducted by the American Research
Group of Manchester, NH. Pollsters conducted 1,200 telephone interviews am
ong a statewide random sample of registered voters February 6 through 9, 2006.

Men and women were equal in their support for a speed limit; likewise, party
affiliation was not a factor. With regard to age ranges, the pollster found
that the younger groups (ages 18 to 24 and 25 to 44) were as favorable toward
a speed limit as people in the older demographic groups. In fact, 86% of
those 25 to 44 years old (the “family” age range) indicated that a speed limit
would make public waters safer, and 76% of that same group felt that the waters
would be more enjoyable.

"This research poll validates what we have been hearing from our members -
namely, that the state's population as a whole, regardless of age, gender or
political affiliation, strongly supports statewide 45 mph / 25 mph speed limits
to make our public waters safer and more enjoyable for everyone," said Nancy
Christie, President of the New Hampshire Lakes Association.

Other survey findings:
84% said that the proposed speed limits would make public waters safer.
74% felt that a speed limit would make public waters more enjoyable.
81% were of the opinion that a speed limit would help the Marine Patrol
enforce boating laws.

“This poll supports what we have believed all along.” said Sandy Helve,
President of WinnFABS (Winnipesaukee Family Alliance for Boating Safety), a
grassroots organization that supports speed limit legislation on New Hampshire’s
public inland waters. “There are thousands of individuals and families
represented by summer camps, marinas, businesses, restaurants, inns and motels as well
as recreational users of the lakes who are crying out for the 45/25 mile per
hour speed limits to make our lakes safer.”
While the theoretical margin of error for the total sample is plus or minus 3
percentage points, the poll results are a statistically valid representation
of New Hampshire registered voters as a whole. This poll is also consistent
with a similar study conducted by the American Research Group in June of 2005,
in which 64 percent of those surveyed believed speed limits should be placed
on New Hampshire’s public waters.

HB 162, the bill that would establish statewide 45 mph/25 mph speed limits on
New Hampshire’s public waters, passed the New Hampshire House last week and
is now being considered by the Senate.

#