Crackdown on dangerous driving results in 69 drivers fined and 2 arrested – amid calls ‘it doesn’t have to be a racetrack’

POLICE have focused efforts on certain sections of the highway to remind drivers that they can receive $100 fines for going over the 10 mph limit.

State Police are stepping up policing efforts on stretches of road that some say have become a “race track.”

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Speeders and dangerous drivers have become a frightening trend for commuters and residents along Vermont Route 105.

Chuck Eldred, a St. Albans resident, takes Route 105 every day and has watched it turn into a dangerous trip.

“[Vermont Route] The 105 is a beautiful scenic route and doesn’t need to be used as a race track,” Eldred told the CBC affiliate. WCAX.

“I’ve had people spill and pass me when there were vehicles coming in the opposite direction. On a solid yellow line, it looks like they enter a flat or semi-flat stretch and can’t wait to pass you.”

Drivers’ complaints were verified by state data showing 169 accidents occurred between 2018 and 2022 on the route, proving that it is a focus of dangerous activities.

In 2022, five accidents along the route were fatal and were reportedly caused by excessive speed and dangerous maneuvers.

After an additional fatal crash last summer, the Safe Highway Accident Reduction Program (SHARP) created nine “enforcement details” to prevent speeding and dangerous driving.

Before the initiative began, however, the Chittenden County Sheriff’s Office did a few things to warn drivers about the coming crackdown.

“We said we’re going to do a few things; we’re going to put up some signage letting people know they need to slow down and then figure out some details where we’re going to do enforcement,” said Lt. Allen Fortin.

When officers focused attention on dangerous drivers, 169 drivers were fined and two were arrested.

The aim was not only to encourage drivers to respect the established speed limit, but also to remind them to pay attention to their speed and potential bad habits.

“Some people learn by being stopped and realizing, ‘Oh, my God! I didn’t even realize I was doing it,’” Fortin continued.

“But some people get a real traffic ticket and say, ‘Listen, there’s a consequence for your actions.’”

In Vermont, going 10 mph over the speed limit costs $105, and it jumps to $277 for 25 mph over the limit.

Proper Conduct During a Traffic Stop

According to the ACLU, there are some tips to ensure a smooth traffic stop, regardless of the violation.

1. Stop the vehicle in a safe location away from traffic as quickly as possible.
2. Turn off the engine, roll down the windows and place your hands on the steering wheel. If it’s dark outside, turn on your interior lights to give the officer a good view. If you are in the passenger seat, keep your hands visible.
3. Take your purse or wallet, registration and proof of insurance only when instructed to do so by law enforcement officers. Do not reach the glove compartment until asked to do so by the officer.
4. Don’t make sudden movements. Narrate everything you are doing, i.e. “I’m getting my bag from the backseat.”
5. Keep your tone calm and respectful.

Source: ACLU

Fines are nearly double in a work zone, with a 10-over fine costing $162 and a 25-over fine costing $507, according to the state.

Residents like Eldred and Ricky Patterson appreciate the efforts of the Sheriff’s Department.

However, Patterson wants to see more initiatives to catch bad drivers.

“You never see anything for the cops on that side or sitting there, that’s why they think they can do whatever they want,” he said.

“You never see them setting up radar or anything like that.”