Boating while intoxicated??

[MLauman]

It has become just another source of revenue for the government, and another excuse to screw with just about anybody at any time. Yeah, there should be limits. But they should be based on one's actual ability at the time, not a generic BAC number that doesn't mean the same level of impairment to everybody.

I agree with this in principle, but how would it be enforced? How do you fairly and accurately measure 'one's actual ability'?

 

[Alegria]

Here were are talking about drinking while operating a dinghy? I'm sure they have that one covered. In a lot of states, it isn't even safe anymore to use your horse as a designated driver. If you can't use trusty Mr. Ed to get you home, then the states are going too far.

Well living with the Amish here in Lancaster PA I do hear of it on occasion where the kids have been out at a barn party coming home late at night and the buggy is on auto pilot via the horse. Trouble is the horse without supervision really isn't always the best Designated Driver!!!! I've heard of incidents where the horse veered off the road into a ditch while trying to go in the shortest straight line home to the barn!!!

Don't even get me started with couples not at the 'wheel' of the buggy and having the horse driving... Ah Hemmm they are distracted in the back of the covered buggy....

I liked the saying Water on the Water and Beer on the Pier... I would have to agree with it for me too...

 

[skibum]

I agree with this in principle, but how would it be enforced? How do you fairly and accurately measure 'one's actual ability'?

That IS the problem. I have no easy answer. Enforce it based on how the person is actually driving at the time. If you are obeying all of the rules, not weaving, and causing no apparent problems, you should be left alone.

In the 1st post, the people were stopped by a nav light out. They should have been cited for that and sent on their way. There was no indication that there were any other violations. Detaining them for an hour was way out of line given that. My point is that with such a low BAC level set by the law, even people operating their vehicles safely have been legislated into being criminals. Now, if they were going 20MPH in a no wake zone, riding in the wrong side of the channel, cutting other boats off, or otherwise not controlling their boat properly, THEN they should start looking at BAC.

The whole thing as it is today is just another excuse to raise revenues and otherwise screw with people. If I had my way, every vehicle would have a "I have been drinking" light installed on it. If you have a couple of drinks, turn the light on and go on your way. Everyone else could see your light, and stay clear if they wish. The police could then pay closer attention to how the vehicle is being operated. If it is unsafe, then they should pull you over. If you are operating the vehicle safely, then there is no need to stop you. If you have a couple of drinks, and don't use the light then bring the full force of the law to bear upon them. This would preserve everyone's freedom while accomplishing the stated goal of increasing safety.

 

[Hampton]

If I had my way, every vehicle would have a "I have been drinking" light installed on it. If you have a couple of drinks, turn the light on and go on your way. Everyone else could see your light, and stay clear if they wish. The police could then pay closer attention to how the vehicle is being operated. If it is unsafe, then they should pull you over. If you are operating the vehicle safely, then there is no need to stop you. If you have a couple of drinks, and don't use the light then bring the full force of the law to bear upon them. This would preserve everyone's freedom while accomplishing the stated goal of increasing safety.

That's exactly what God was thinking when he came up with the red nose of inebriation. "Stay out of this drunk's way!"

 

[skibum]

Good one, John... :smt043:smt043:smt043

 

[JediJD]

Studies show that impairment begins with the first drink.

Doug

From today's news...

One in seven scientists says that they are aware of colleagues having seriously breached acceptable conduct by inventing results.
Around 46 percent say that they have observed fellow scientists engage in "questionable practices," such as presenting data selectively or changing the conclusions of a study in response to pressure from a funding source.

 

[fc3]

From today's news...

One in seven scientists says that they are aware of colleagues having seriously breached acceptable conduct by inventing results.
Around 46 percent say that they have observed fellow scientists engage in "questionable practices," such as presenting data selectively or changing the conclusions of a study in response to pressure from a funding source.

I'll bet a lot of them are doing climate research that impacts so-called global warming. It's been shown that contradicting the global warming religion will result in losses of funding. People don't like their sacred cows gored.

 

[rondds]

Aren't dinghys soft,fluffy and air filled? How could anyone possibly get hurt?

Seriously, blood alchohol content > 0.08% = you are under arrest, even if it's an outboard motor. Didn't you people ever see "Party Heat" on Spike TV?

In the early 90s, a friend of mine got pulled over in his Pachanga leaving Red Eye's Dock bar in Kent Narrows after a Sunday afternoon of Bikini Contests and $2 drafts. He blew a 0.09% - loss of license and AA for him. Granted, it was his second offense (first was in a car) but it matters not what motorized thing you are driving. Best bet is leave the motor OFF and use the oars. I've never heard of RUI. OR let the drunk guy give you a tow. They can't get you for TUI, right?

 

[fc3]

I don't know. A taxi ride home has to be better and cheaper than all of the alternatives.