Speed Limit

[winnilaker]

I was at the hearing and here is a summary for those who couldn't make it. There were about 40 people there in opposition and 1 in favor that spoke. It went on for 2 hours, got a $5 ticket from the meter person

The sponsor of the bill spoke of the reasons why the bill was proposed.
1. A local marina asked him to.
2. The speeds where choosen out of the air, quote "they sounded right"
3. He remembers when the lake was quiet and peaceful.
4. He reference an accident that happen 18 years ago
5. When asked, he couldn't tell the committee that this was based on any facts

Director of Marine Patrol, David Barrett spoke in opposition to the bill, stating.
1. It couldn't be enforced
2. Speed to his knowledge is not the root cause of issues on the lake
3. There are current laws that protect boaters

I forgot his name, but one of the representatives on the committee actually spoke in opposition to the law. And another committee member questioned representative Pilliod (Bill Sponsor) about speeds and told him that his own boat doesn't plane well at 25 mph.

Several Marina owners and residents spoke and here is a summary of the facts/comments provided in opposition

1. Boater registration is up and there is a significant reduction in accidents. Marine Patrol.
2. Since the last speed law bill was rejected by the transportation committee 14-0, nothing has happened that would warrant this bill to be passed. Marine Patrol and a representative.
3. The law could not be enforce with current radar technology
4. United States Coast Guards 2003 accident report shows that 92% of boats that are involved in fatal accidents are less than 26 feet.
5. A law such as described would reduce a significant number of boater registrations and would have a negative impact on several specific markets, testified by several folks.
6. Current laws achieve same goal as the bill would, 150 ft headway rule and reckless endangerment, etc.
7. No finanical impact study to marine Patrol was done by the sponsor.
8. Boater education seemed to be a big one and in 2008, anyone boating on the lake will be required to have a certification.
9. A reduction in boater registrations might reduce funding for marine patrol and boater safety programs.
10. Safe speeds are different for different types of boats, setting defined speed limits might make some situations safer while making other situations dangerous.

Comments made by those in favor:
1. Don't feel safe boating on weekends
2. Doesn't feel Marine is doing a good job now with current laws
3. Big Monster boats shouldn't be on lake and that laws like this will help send a message and they would stop coming.

The sponsor and the one individual in favor, basically talked of big "monster boats" owning the lake. I had to chuckle a bit when one individual starting talking about the "Rich" people who can afford these boats shouldn't be on the lake. He actually brought in an ad for a 47' fountain and read the boat specifics and price to the committee.

I guess you have to look at this way.
If there was a 4 way stop in your town and a few individuals didn't like it because sometimes other drivers didn't let them go inorder. Do you put in traffic lights? Probably not.

But if there were several accidents at that intersection, I would think they would put in traffic lights. i.e. pass a speed limit.

So in my opinion, there appears to be no facts, statistics or non-emotional reasons why this bill should be passed.

So this was my first post in the forum, so let me have it.

[Outlaw]

Winnilaker -

Thank you so much for posting all this informative information. More importantly thank you for being at the hearing. Excellent job, excellent information - what a fantastic first post.

[Audiofn]

I hate being right all the time