I agree, Steve, that that line of argument logically leads to total paralysis. does apply to the real world. In reality I do think that a benefit-cost argument can be applied to most of these things. ======== Requiring that PFDs be worn at all times will save some lives, but degrade others by making the recreation a bit less fun. A small decrease in enjoyment multiplied by millions of hours will give a very large value to preserving the choice for the operator to use the safety equipment when it apears warranted by conditions. ======== So does the requirement get extended to larger boats? Is that in length, width, wieght, or some combination formula? Is is any canoe or kayak? What about a pirogue--a person might call some of those canoes? Who decides if it is a canoe? The builder? The owner? Some government panel decides it is a kayak or canoe based on what (see above for potential items in a formula)? ======== All this and we haven't even talked about risk homeostasis, and to deal with that via regulations you need to mandate ======== I wear a PFD 99.5% of the time. I do it by choice not by fiat. Once in a while I take it off. ======== GaryJ Steve Holtzman wrote: > GaryJ wrote: > > >>Sorry, Chuck, but life is not completely safe. This same logic would put >>outriggers on bicycles, along with a couple of dozen strobe lights. And etc etc. > > > Gary, > > That argument has a few flaws in its logic too. Basically you're saying that airbags shouldn't be required in cars, helmets on motorcycles or bicycles, etc. > > While a pfd won't prevent all drownings, it will certainly prevent a lot more than occur now. > > Steve Holtzman > Southern Calif *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************Received on Sun Oct 15 2006 - 08:47:31 PDT
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