From the Vermont State Police:
Making every effort to prevent crashes, injuries, and fatalities on Vermont’s roadways, Vermont state troopers will be out in full force Friday, August 31 to kick off Labor Day weekend. Troopers will stagger their shifts to provide high visibility throughout the day.
“With heavier than usual traffic expected during this extended holiday weekend, we will push for zero fatalities,” said Colonel Thomas L’Esperance. “Troopers will focus on the four most common causes of fatal crashes, such as speeding, driving under the influence, distracted driving, and seat belt violations.”
“All on-duty troopers will be in uniform and on Vermont’s roadways during this initiative,” said Major Walt Goodell, Field Force Commander. “To help ensure a successful and safe weekend, troopers will also engage in routine patrols and be available to assist motorists.”
So far this year 55 people were (killed) in traffic crashes on Vermont roadways. At least 13 of the deaths were alcohol related, and 23 victims were unbelted vehicle occupants.
High visibility enforcement is a universal traffic safety approach designed to create deterrence and change unlawful traffic behaviors by combining highly visible and proactive law enforcement targeting a specific traffic safety issue. Our goal this Labor Day is to prevent crashes, injuries and fatalities on Vermont’s roadways.
During this time, troopers also will continue to participate in Operation Summer HEAT and the Governor’s Highway Safety Program sponsored Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over initiative.
The Vermont State Police remind motorists who will be on the roads during the holiday period to plan their trips carefully by allowing ample time to reach their destination, plan for rest stops along the way, obey the posted speed limit, don’t drive if you have consumed alcohol, and make sure everyone in the vehicle is properly restrained.