"N.H. among worst for boating accidents"

[Bear Islander]

Another reason why we need speed limits!

"Business News/Analysis
N.H. among worst for boating accidents

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

The good news is that 35 states experienced a decline in boating accidents from 2002 to 2006. The bad news — New Hampshire wasn’t one of them. In fact, New Hampshire had the eight largest increase in boating accidents among all 50 states during that period.

According to a report released last week by the Personal Watercraft Industry Association, New Hampshire actually experienced a 16 percent increase over the five-year period, despite having a mandatory boater education law.

By contrast, Vermont reported an 83 percent decrease in boating accidents -- one of the best improvements in the country. The worst increase was Idaho’s 90 percent.

In 2002, New Hampshire had 68 reportable boating accidents, according to the U.S. Coast Guard, which defines such incidents as those incurring $2,000 or more in damage, when there has been an injury that requires care beyond first aid, or when there has been an death or a disappearance leading to a presumption of drowning.

From 2003 to 2005, the numbers remained fairly stable, with 49, 35, and 45 accidents recorded in New Hampshire, respectively.

In 2006, the most current data available, the Granite State experienced the greatest jump, with 79 accidents reported.

At the same time, the number of registered boats remained virtually unchanged during the five-year period. In 2002, the Coast Guard reported 101,638 registered boats, and in 2006, there were 101,297.

The leading causes of boating accidents are all operator-controlled, such as inexperience, inattention and excessive speed, the association said. The leading types of accidents include collisions with other vessels and collisions with fixed objects such as docks or channel markers. – CINDY KIBBE/NEW HAMPSHIRE BUSINESS REVIEW"

http://www.nhbr.com/apps/pbcs.dll/ar...WS06/717933123