By Keep Vermont Safe,
Over the weekend, Vermont State Police arrested five individuals for driving under the influence in separate incidents across the state. These arrests underscore the dangers posed by impaired drivers, who risk not only their own lives but also the safety of everyone on Vermont’s roads.
The VSP responded to all five of the following incidents:
Edward Farr, 55, Danville
On Friday evening, Edward Farr of Danville was stopped after his truck swerved into oncoming traffic. Troopers found Farr to be under the influence of alcohol.
He was arrested for DUI and negligent operation and is scheduled to appear in Caledonia County Superior Court on February 10.
Ramon Venerosocruz, 37, Weybridge
Late Saturday night, police in Middlebury pulled over Ramon Venerosocruz of Weybridge for a motor vehicle violation on Court Street.
After refusing a breathalyzer test, Venerosocruz was arrested for suspicion of DUI. He was processed and released with a citation to appear in Addison County Superior Court.
Katelynn Keough, 27, Groton
Early Saturday morning, Katelynn Keough of Groton was stopped by state police in St. Johnsbury for a traffic violation.
Officers observed signs of impairment and determined that she was operating under the influence. She was arrested and released with a court date set for February 10.
Dale Crews, 39, Irasburg
On Saturday evening, officers in Coventry pulled over Dale Crews of Irasburg for a truck equipment violation.
Further investigation revealed Crews was impaired, leading to his arrest. He was cited and will appear in Orleans County Superior Court at a later date.
Swetha Sridharan, 41, Waterbury
Late Friday night, state police in Waterbury stopped Swetha Sridharan for a traffic violation on Lincoln Street.
Officers noted indicators of impairment and arrested Sridharan for DUI. She was processed and released with a court appearance pending.
The dangers of impaired driving
These incidents reflect a troubling reality: impaired driving continues to be a significant public safety concern, especially around weekends. Whether it’s alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both, impaired drivers drastically increase the risk of accidents, injuries, and fatalities.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly 1/3 of all U.S. traffic deaths are caused by impaired driving.
Taking action to prevent DUIs
Addressing impaired driving requires both personal responsibility and community action. Vermont’s State Highway Safety Office provides resources to help drivers make safer choices and avoid impaired driving.
Programs like these aim to educate the public on the devastating consequences of DUIs while promoting the use of designated drivers and ridesharing services.
For more information about the dangers of impaired driving and the initiatives aimed at combating it, visit the Vermont State Highway Safety Office's website.
I would hope that part of their sentence would require them alcohol counseling and driving defense classes.