Starting June 7 and running through Labor Day, the Vermont State Police will be increasing enforcement efforts focusing on speed and aggressive driving on all state roadways. Called Operation S.T.R.I.V.E. (Safe Travel on Roads In Vermont Everyday), the goal is to deter and identify hazardous violations that increase the risk of motor vehicle crashes.
So far in 2016, Vermont has seen 30 people die in traffic incidents. This is a considerable increase in motor vehicle deaths compared to the last three year average at this time of year. Many of these collisions involve hazardous violations like speeding, lack of seatbelt use, distracted driving and impaired driving.
Vermont State Police Director Col. Matthew Birmingham said, “While the role of law enforcement is keeping the public safe, this is also a matter of personal responsibility. We ask that all who get behind the wheel remember that our children, our parents, our friends and neighbors, all share the road with you. Please choose to keep them and yourself, safe. Most if not all of these crashes are preventable. Our goal is to reduce crashes and strive for zero lives lost.”
In Operation S.T.R.I.V.E., VSP troopers will be working collaboratively with other state, county and local law enforcement agencies in high visibility enforcement to reduce overall crashes on our highways. The Vermont Governor’s Highway Safety Program (GHSP) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) are providing support and funding for this campaign.
Lieutenant John Flannigan, VSP Traffic Operations commander, will be coordinating Operation S.T.R.I.V.E.
