The headline Feb. 7 read “Speed a factor.” Accidents happen. Detective James Trask will not be charged.

He was speeding 55 to 65 mph, the black box read 71 mph, the advisory speed was dropped to 45 mph. Trask was operating in two-wheel drive despite a display in the vehicle advising four-wheel drive. Trask was involved in 11 accidents since 1979.

Well, now I wonder what the headlines would have read if things were turned. If Mr. Putman was speeding, lost control and hit the SUV, I bet he would have been cited, probably put in jail.

Just because Mr. Trask is a police officer, working for the governor does not give him special rights. The facts, as reported, were that he was speeding. Why should he be treated special? The black box proved the speed and is used for that very reason. This could have been much worse. Someone could have been killed. Our governor could have been killed.

Mr. Trask is not above the law. He needs to be held accountable for his actions just as you or I would have been. Just because he carries a badge does not make him any different than anyone else. The law is the law and everyone is supposed to abide by it, even the very people enforcing it. So, why is this incident any different?

He was speeding. He caused the accident. And he caused bodily injury.

Lead by example.

Linda Duguay, Sabattus