Holiday weekend will mean heightened traffic safety patrols

July 3, 2020  |  By Waterbury Roundabout

With traffic fatalities more than double the rate of 2019, Vermont state and local law enforcement and transportation officials are reminding motorists to drive safely over the Independence Day holiday weekend.

Vermont State Police Troopers as well as officers from the Department of Motor Vehicles and local and county law enforcement agencies will be visible on traffic safety patrols over the weekend to detect and deter aggressive, distracted and impaired driving. 

At a news conference this week, Lt. Tara Thomas, Safety Programs Unit commander for the state police, said these dangerous driving behaviors take the lives of Vermonters and visitors to the state.

“Speed, aggressive, distracted and impaired driving are the demons that continue to haunt our roads, and these behaviors will be the targets this holiday weekend,” Thomas said. 

Although traffic volume is down due to the COVID-19 pandemic, crash-related fatalities are more than double so far this year compared with the same period last year. For January 1 to July 1, in 2019 the state saw nine fatal crashes, compared with 21 the same period this year, according to police. June 2020 also logged the most fatal crashes for June in a decade — nine in which nine people died, police data show.

Nationwide, nearly 30% of highway deaths are attributed to impaired driving. Vermont far exceeds the national average: In 2019, 50% of Vermont’s fatal crashes involved impairment.

“As you celebrate this holiday, please plan ahead to ensure you have a safe and sober ride home,” Thomas said. “Remember, buzzed driving is impaired driving. If you feel different, you drive different.” 

Thomas also emphasized the use of seat belts to prevent serious injury in the event of an accident.  “Lives continue to be lost as a result of occupants not wearing their seat belts. Unrestrained motorists account for 60% of Vermont fatalities. We can’t say it enough: Seat belts save lives,” she said. 

Joining Thomas at the news conference were Transportation Secretary Joe Flynn, Department of Motor Vehicles Enforcement Division Col. William Elovirta, and Paul White of the Vermont State Highway Safety Office.

Another message officials stressed ahead of the busy weekend is for everyone on the roads -- motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians -- to be alert and to share the road. 

“These beautiful Vermont summer months are a time of year many people look forward to. We have more bicyclists and pedestrians sharing the roadway with motor vehicles. Whether you’re a motorist, a bicyclist or a pedestrian, please be vigilant and share the road this holiday weekend and anytime you are out traveling,” Thomas said.