State Police out to destroy the Killington Economy again

[Coydog]

FWIW, Vermont’s "implied consent" law states that anybody operating or attempting to operate a vehicle on a highway is deemed to have given consent to a breath or blood evidentiary test IF the officer has "reasonable grounds" to believe that person is OUI (usually 0.08 blood alcohol concentration).

So if applied fairly at a DUI checkpoint where everyone is stopped uniformly, the cop must make some reasonable judgement by observation that a person is over the limit before requiring a breath test and not simply that someone consumed a drink or two.

The Vermont troopers I’ve encountered have always acted reasonably towards me, but if you are stopped and concerned, consider recording the stop on your cell phone.

This is a very tough problem at a resort area. There could possibly be a revenue generation motivation behind a checkpoint, but then again far too many people die due to DUI accidents particularly around the holidays. And as pointed out, far too many die because the other guy was DUI.

In any case, be advised that checkpoints have been recently observed on or near the Access Road. Know the law and know your rights.

23 V.S.A. § 1201 Operating vehicle under the influence of intoxicating liquor or other substance; criminal refusal; enhanced penalty for BAC of 0.16 or more

23 V.S.A. § 1202 Consent to taking of tests to determine blood alcohol content

[Bubba]

Holiday Traffic Safety Enforcement Program announced


To ensure Vermont highways remain safe, the Vermont State Police is participating in the National Highway Traffic Safety Campaign that began on Dec. 10 and runs until Jan. 1, 2015. Vermont has experienced 42 traffic fatalities in 2014. Of those traffic fatalities, four operators were impaired by alcohol and six by drugs; most commonly marijuana. Additionally, 44 percent of the occupants were unbelted/improperly restrained/no helmet.

“By using high visibility enforcement coupled with education, we will promote both our citizens and visitors to drive responsibly on our highways during the upcoming weekend and throughout the holiday season,” the VSP stated.

The Vermont State Police priority remains focused on occupant protection, as well as impaired and aggressive driving; which will be accomplished through organized data driven patrols and checkpoints. Traffic enforcement is a critical mission to the VSP and remains the single most effective tool in saving lives and detecting and deterring criminal activity.

For more information visit highwaysafety.vermont.gov/.


http://mountaintimes.info/holiday-traff ... announced/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[colchskier81]

The VSP tells you they are stepping up enforcement and checkpoints, and you whine about it? Here's a novel idea, don't drink and drive, especially during gaper season.

[SuzyQ]

I agree if the cops save 1 life it's worth it. The life they save could be your own.

[jim.cleary]

Sound like things have changed a lot since my ski house days. I recall a single officer in an SUV parked in a lot below the pickle (firehouse perhaps?), usually on weekend nights. It was pretty common knowledge that as long as you lived on the mountain, and stayed above that spot, you were safe from DUI patrol on the access road. But the snow filled ditches on the shoulders of Ravine and Roaring Brook were not safe, as spotting abandoned and stuck cars on Sunday morning that had spun out of control on Saturday night were a regular occurrence. But I don't know about the VSP presence destroying the local economy. NJ State Police have been running checkpoints in touristy shore towns for decades and it doesn't seem to keep people from going out at night, or visiting.

[steamboat1]

Dick heads

[biged]

In the summer they had the spot check on route 7 in rutland when the state had the summer program.

[johnny the jibber]

Its no secret the VSP are out on the Access Rd any given night of the week during ski season, not so much during the summer but they are still around. Plan ahead, call a cab, a shuttle, figure out a DD or walk. Walking is key especially if you're in the vicinity of Dean Hill Rd.

[Woodsrider]

Walking is key especially if you're in the vicinity of Dean Hill Rd.

Didn't someone get killed walking on the access road last year? Kinda ironic no?

[SnoBrdr]

Walking is key especially if you're in the vicinity of Dean Hill Rd.

Didn't someone get killed walking on the access road last year? Kinda ironic no?

Yes and alcohol was involved with both the driver and the pedestrian.

Use the shuttles.

[johnny the jibber]

Use the sidewalk along the access rd...

[pepperdawg]

Call da DIS for a ride!

[yiddle on da fiddle]

Call da DIS for a ride!

really?....BUTT THAT'S.....285 MILES...each way!.........CHRIST ITS QUIET WITH THAT SHORT STATURED FOOL MISSING

[RENO]

Don't get drunk or speed and you'll be just fine. This isn't a hard concept to grasp? We come up year round and never have a problem with cops, state troopers, sheriff, national guard, navy seals, Dirty Harry, Barney Fife, etc...

[ME2VTSkier]

So you want to speed in my Patrol Zone...