News Briefs, police

Police: summer traffic safety initiatives begin Memorial Day weekend

Memorial Day weekend through June 4, the Vermont State Police (VSP) will be increasing enforcement efforts to promote safe, responsible driving in support of Operation C.A.R.E. (Crash Awareness and Reduction Effort) and Click It Or Ticket.

Operation C.A.R.E. is a national campaign by state police agencies across the country to decrease human suffering on our highways, by reducing traffic crashes through enforcement and education, with an emphasis on national holiday periods.

VSP, in partnership with the Vermont Agency of Transportation, will also be focusing enforcement efforts from now throughout the summer months in four “Operation Safe Corridors” on Vermont interstates — I-91 exits 1-3; the Hartford interchange area I-89/I-91; and I-89 exits 7-10 and 12-17.

VSP Traffic Operations Commander Lieutenant John Flannigan said, “The Vermont State Police enforcement priority remains focused on occupant protection, including seatbelt use, impaired and aggressive driving, as well as distracted driving.” Lieutenant Flannigan emphasized the importance of another annual traffic safety effort, currently underway: “The Click It or Ticket enforcement campaign is an important safety mission and message in the effort to prevent loss of life on Vermont’s highways.” He added, “High visibility enforcement is an essential component in reducing traffic crashes.”

Troopers will also be working with local and county law enforcement agencies during this time to support the national Click It or Ticket mobilization. Vermonters’ use of seatbelts has fallen to an 80 percent compliance rate, down from 86 percent in 2015.

For more information on the Click It or Ticket national mobilization, please visit nhtsa.gov/ciot.

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