NH , new laws regarding incompetent hikers

[Panzer1]

He and others who have helped rescue lost hikers tell stories of people venturing deep into the mountains without compasses or maps.

They apparently think little of hikers that don't have a compass or map.

Panzer

[Plodderman]

Personal responsibility is a must and I hope to not put anyone elses life on the line because of my negligence.

[Panzer1]

They wonder where the negligence line would be drawn; would someone hiking in jeans or with old equipment be considered negligent?

I think this is a good point. Even people here on this list cannot agree on what equiptment/clothing to bring on the AT. example, many here do not feel a map or compass is necessary.

Panzer

[Sly]

Jail time

Where did that come from?

The severity? You mean 40 "billable" offenses(according the original OP) out of 140? Let me know when they're shelling out more cash than they're taking in from tourism

Not much into personal responsibility are you? It's not up to the state to CYA and bail you out for free, especially if it's negligent when venturing into the woods.

The new law isn't about fines as much as collecting for them. You don't pay you have your license suspended until you do. It's similar to click it, or ticket. Try not paying a road fine.

[emerald]

Fortunately, it isn't up to WhiteBlaze. Rather it is an issue for residents of New Hampshire to decide. They have determined how they wish to handle it and who they wish to make determinations regarding negligence. It would appear they wish for these decisions to be made by people in the field who are closest to the issue and thus have the best vantage point.

I would note that Panzer makes a strong case for referring people to hikeSafe.com.

[Sly]

Who are you talking to there Shades of Gray?

[johnnybgood]

The problem is, we encourage reckless consumers, not competent citizens.

Hit the proverbial nail on the head.

[Sly]

The problem is, we encourage reckless consumers, not competent citizens.

Hit the proverbial nail on the head.

Who's we and how do they do it?

Nearly every trail head has warnings about the dangers of hiking unprepared. You can lead a horse to water....

[emerald]

Who are you talking to there Shades of Gray?

General observation directed at anyone monitoring the thread, particularly opinionated non-residents. I've seen similar threads before. Someone posts something FYI and others take issue with it as if debating a contested issue not already decided.

[FatMan]

Fortunately, it isn't up to WhiteBlaze. Rather it is an issue for residents of New Hampshire to decide. They have determined how they wish to handle it and who they wish to make determinations regarding negligence on their behalf. It would appear they wish for these decisions made by people in the field who are closest to the issue who have the best vantage point.

Exactly! Now stop talking sense. You know how that is frowned upon here at WB.

[johnnybgood]

Who's we and how do they do it?

Nearly every trail head has warnings about the dangers of hiking unprepared. You can lead a horse to water....

we= taxpayers bailout=we the taxpayers.

[Sly]

General observation directed at anyone monitoring the thread, particularly opinionated non-residents. I've seen similar threads before. Someone posts something FYI and others take issue with it as if debating a contested issue not already decided.

Ah, OK. I'm of the opinion there's nothing wrong with the new law.

[emerald]

It would still apply to you even if you thought it objectionable.

[Sly]

It would still apply to you even if you thought it objectionable.

LOL.. I find lots of laws objectionable, just not this one.

[JAK]

"This is confirmed by what happens in states; for legislators make the citizens good by forming habits in them, and this is the wish of every legislator, and those who do not effect it miss their mark, and it is in this that a good constitution differs from a bad one."

- Aristotle

[woodsy]

The severity? You mean 40 "billable" offenses(according the original OP) out of 140? Let me know when they're shelling out more cash than they're taking in from tourism

I don't have to let you know nothing

[rickb]

The take away message of all this is may be just this simple:

If you are short on cash and tend to have a "worrier" back home, be sure to tell her not to call the Mounties until you are at least 5 days past due. Or just tell her that you will coming home a few days after you really plan to.

Problem solved.

RickB

(Who is happy to pay NH's 8 percent lodging tax to avoid tenting in the winter)

[KG4FAM]

Nearly every trail head has warnings about the dangers of hiking unprepared. You can lead a horse to water....

and fast food restaurants have to warn you that your coffee is going to be hot so they don't get sued. Putting a warning up at a trail head these days is just looks like a liability thing.

[zoidfu]

Where did that come from?



Not much into personal responsibility are you? It's not up to the state to CYA and bail you out for free, especially if it's negligent when venturing into the woods.

The new law isn't about fines as much as collecting for them. You don't pay you have your license suspended until you do. It's similar to click it, or ticket. Try not paying a road fine.

Woodsy said people should do jail time in addition to paying the money. Not much into reading a thread, are you?

As long as you're attracting people to the mountains(that you regulate and make money off of) and letting them in, then yes, you are liable for bailing them out.

The solution here is- Have something like a hiker safety course and certification that you must complete before you're allowed to go into the Whites.... but that's only if you're serious about keeping idiots off the mountain... which you aren't, because that would cost you tourism dollars.

[zoidfu]

General observation directed at anyone monitoring the thread, particularly opinionated non-residents. I've seen similar threads before. Someone posts something FYI and others take issue with it as if debating a contested issue not already decided.

It's an internet forum where we're kicking around ideas and having a grand time doing so. So what?