Starting May 23 and running through Memorial Day, the Vermont State Police (VSP) will be increasing enforcement efforts to promote safe, responsible driving in support of Operation C.A.R.E. (Combined Accident Reduction Effort). Operation C.A.R.E. is a national campaign by state police agencies across the country that have joined together in the endeavor of reducing human suffering on our highways by reducing traffic crashes through enforcement and education.
VSP troopers will also focus on specific areas in which unbelted occupants were injured or killed in 2015. Last year, Operation C.A.R.E. ran from Friday, May 22, through Monday, May 25. During that time period, police reported three fatalities, as well as five impaired-related crashes, 33 total crashes, 12 DUI arrests and 389 speeding tickets.
High visibility enforcement is an essential component in reducing traffic crashes, particularly those that result in serious injury and death, data show. “Troopers will use organized saturation patrols as well as checkpoints throughout the state in an effort to reduce crashes,” Vermont State Police Traffic Operations commander Lieutenant John Flannigan said. “Operation C.A.R.E is effective in educating the public and reducing the number of serious crashes.”
Troopers will also be working with other local and county law enforcement agencies during this time to support the national Click It or Ticket mobilization through June 5. According to state traffic incident data, Vermonters’ use of seatbelts has held relatively steady at 85 percent over the last 12 years.
To date, Vermont has experienced 23 motor vehicle deaths so far in 2016. Approximately 47 percent of those fatalities were unrestrained.
Rutland County sobriety check points
The Vermont State Police will be joining with local law enforcement partners and conducting sobriety checkpoints in Rutland County throughout the extended holiday Memorial Day season, May 23 through June 5, 2016.
In a news release May 23, Lieutenant Charles J. Cacciatore, VSP station commander at the Rutland Barracks encouraged all motor vehicle operators to use a designated driver, whenever appropriate, and reminded all operators and occupants to wear their safety belts.
“Please help us keep Rutland County and our highways safe for everyone,” said Cacciatore. “Thank you and have a wonderful and safe holiday season.”
