WINDSOR — In a concerted effort to enhance road safety during the holiday season, multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Windsor County Sheriff’s Department, conducted a saturation patrol on Dec. 26 on Route 4 and Route 103, leading to numerous traffic stops and a driving impaired arrest.
The Rutland County Sheriff’s Department, Killington Police Department, and Windsor County Sheriff’s Department (Route 103) collaborated in the operation, resulting in 51 motor vehicle stops.
Officers issued citations for 44 traffic violations ranging from speeding, failure to move over, seat belt infractions, and other offenses.
Additionally, 10 warnings were given to drivers.
This enforcement comes as a reminder to the public to adhere to speed limits, yield to emergency vehicles, and always wear seat belts.
The authorities especially emphasize the importance of not driving while impaired.
The latest data shows a troubling trend on Vermont’s roads.
As of Dec. 23, there have been 58 crash fatalities this year, a decrease from 70 at the same time last year, but higher than the 10-year average of 64.
In 2022, Vermont witnessed over 8,000 vehicle crashes, with 73 resulting in fatalities.
Despite a decrease in total reported crashes compared to the five-year average for 2017-2021, which stands at over 11,000 crashes annually, the number of roadway fatalities has been on the rise.
The state saw a nearly 20% increase in fatalities in 2022 compared to the five-year average.
Although the average number of crashes declined between 2014 to 2018, the average number of fatalities has been increasing since 2019.
Crashes on Vermont’s roads fall into three categories: property damage only, injury crashes, and fatal crashes.
The majority of crashes involve drivers with Vermont licenses, but incidents also involve drivers from other New England states and beyond.
The recent patrols are part of ongoing efforts to ensure the safety of everyone traveling on Vermont’s roads, particularly during the holidays, when traffic volume and the risk of accidents can increase.
The law enforcement agencies continue to urge drivers to obey traffic laws and drive responsibly.
