I-89 aggressive enforcement campaign starts today
April 3, 2006
Free Press Staff Report
The Vermont State Police plan to increase patrols along Interstate 89 between Colchester and South Burlington during morning rush hours starting today and continuing through June 30.
Drivers could receive tickets for speeding as little as 5 mph over the 55-mph limit, especially if the person also is driving in an erratic or dangerous way, said Lt. Al Buck, commander of the Vermont State Police post in Williston.
Failure to signal or following too closely could bring $195 fines. State law defines "too closely" as closer than is reasonable and prudent given speed, traffic and road conditions; a state driving handbook suggests people should travel four seconds behind other vehicles on the road.
Speeding fines range from $51 for 5 mph over the speed limit to $264 for 30 mph over the speed limit.
The patrols will center on the Winooski River Bridge during the morning rush hour. Reckless driving -- speeding, following too closely, not using blinkers, weaving through traffic -- between 6 and 9 a.m. leads to about 300 crashes a year, Buck said. All lead to substantial delays as commuters head to work.
"It's dangerous, and we've got to do something," Buck said last week.
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