Letter

Tourist singled out for speeding on Killington Road

Dear Editor,

I just came back from the weekend in Killington. It could’ve been perfect skiing vacation; however it was ruined by the Killington traffic police.

On Saturday we were leaving the parking lot, and I was driving in a long line of cars on the Killington Road going down toward Route 4. About a half mile down the road, a police car inserted itself between my car and the car behind me and turned the sirens on. I pulled my car over and inquired to the police officer why I had such a privilege to be stopped of all the cars traveling on the road. He told me that I was traveling at 49 miles an hour in the 35 miles speeding zone.

I was incredulous. Not only I was I not driving that fast, but also every car was traveling with me at the same speed. Was I singled out because of my New York license plate? I managed to hold such questions to myself. My 7-year-old daughter had started to cry, so I decided that it was pointless to argue with this guy. I just told him that he managed to ruin a perfect skiing day.

After he departed to his car with my driving license and registration, my daughter continued crying, so my wife left her seat and went back to comfort her. What happened after it was just unbelievable. A second officer jumped out of the police car and rush toward my wife yelling at her “Get back to your car! Immediately get back to your car!” It almost looked like he was going to pull the gun on her!

I guess that because there is no crime in Vermont, it has become a sport for the local police to hunt the unsuspected tourists who drive five hours from New York to spend the weekend skiing?

I took the name of the police officer who gave me the ticket, Jonathan Hall. I am writing this letter because Vermonters needs to know who its heroes and protectors really are.

Because of this experience, my daughter is saying that she hates Killington and would never come back, but we still love skiing, so I hope I’ll be able to convince her otherwise.

Leo Khmelniker, New York, N.Y.

2 comments on “Tourist singled out for speeding on Killington Road

  1. Actually, there is a good amount of crime over in nearby Rutland where there is a heroin epidemic. It was actually featured on CBS as one of the most addicted areas per capita in the entire US. And unfortunately while Killington is a good tourist area, it is just naive to think the drug problem doesn’t carry over to a degree to this town when it’s just a short bus ride over…..As far as the police go, I’m not surprised. They’d rather be generating revenue than fighting any real crimes. The fact that you’re out of state just makes it easier for them to trump up the charges because they know you can’t easily fight it in court.

  2. Just what the corporation needs–after continual business headaches -not to mention a lack of snow during a major holiday–it would be nice if customers went home with smiles and warm memoirs –especially after spending a couple of thousand dollars in a couple of days–supporting the locals with jobs –maybe they will come visit Killington this summer and spend some extra money–for good memories!!!

Comments are closed.

Mountain Times Newsletter

Sign up below to receive the weekly newsletter, which also includes top trending stories and what all the locals are talking about!