Coordinated Crackdown

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Created on Wednesday, 06 May 2015 14:09

Written by Emma Kaplan

VERMONT- Vermont State troopers and highway officials alike will soon be cracking down on drivers speeding and those who are not wearing their seat belt.  This is part of the ‘New England Drive to Save Lives’ campaign, which began this week, and will run throughout the summer.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's data shows that in thirty percent of fatal accidents nationwide, speeding was a factor.  Vermont, along with Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, and Maine will be looking for traffic violations on interstates 95 and 91.  I-91 runs from Southern Vermont, all the way to Canada.  The initiative will also incorporate the slogan ‘Stop Speeding Before It Stops You’.  

"We strongly believe that this collaborative effort ... will heighten motorists' awareness and hopefully reduce the number of speed-related crashes throughout our region," said Michael Geraci, regional administrator for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. "I ask the motoring public all across New England to take our message seriously."

According to data collected by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 69 car crash deaths in Vermont in 2013, which was the highest rate for New England at 11 deaths per 100 thousand residents.

"The message will be clear," said Connecticut State Police Col. Brian Meraviglia. "Going over the speed limit? Be prepared to be stopped by a trooper. Not wearing your seat belt? Again, be prepared to be stopped by a trooper. If motorists decide to skirt the law they must have to be prepared to pay, perhaps with their wallets or perhaps with their lives. But it doesn't have to be that way."