CONCORD, N.H. – A truck driver involved in a 2019 crash that killed seven motorcyclists will not be allowed to drive in New Hampshire for at least two more years.
In an order issued Wednesday, Volodymyr Zhukovskyy’s driving privileges were suspended for seven years, the maximum suspension period under applicable state law. That penalty was backdated to take effect June 24, 2019, which means the suspension will last for another two years.
Zhukovskyy, a commercial trucker from Ukraine, tried to get his driving privileges restored in New Hampshire, initiating an administrative process after he emailed the N.H. Department of Safety last September. In May, he spoke publicly for the first time about his role in the crash that involved motorcyclists from the Jarheads Motorcycle Club, a charitable group of Marine veterans.
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“The truth is that I didn’t cause this whole accident,” Zhukovskyy said in May. “I was in the wrong place at the wrong time.”
He was acquitted of criminal manslaughter charges in the case by a jury in 2022, after prosecutors alleged he was under the influence of drugs and caused the accident.
After the suspension period ends, Zhukovskyy can have his license reinstated by requesting a hearing. The next of kin to the victims killed in the accident will be notified and given an opportunity to speak at the hearing.
He is also required to complete a six-hour “driver attitude course,” pay a reinstatement fee of $100 to the Director of Motor Vehicles, and submit an evaluation from a licensed alcohol and drug counselor, according to Wednesday’s ruling from Ryan N. McFarland, of the Bureau of Hearings at the New Hampshire Department of Safety.
Zhukovskyy has 30 days to appeal the decision.
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Amanda Gokee can be reached at amanda.gokee@globe.com. Follow her @amanda_gokee.
CONCORD – While Republican Gov. Kelly Ayotte has said she opposes increasing highway toll rates across the state, the Senate voted Thursday to increase rates for out-of-state license plate holders.
It now goes to the House for consideration.
This would be a $1 increase for those who have out of state plates going through the tolls at Hooksett, Hampton and Bedford for out-of-state plates, a 75 cent hike for those taking Hampton’s Exit 2 and on the Spaulding turnpike at Rochester, and a 50 cent hike for those taking the exit off I-93 to Hooksett.
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An analysis in the bill shows that this would increase toll revenue by $53.3 million in fiscal year 2027 and go up each year to generate $81.4 million a year in 2036.
Senate Bill 627 passed on a voice vote with two Republicans, Senators Regina Birdsell of Hampstead and William Gannon of Sandown opposing.
Senator Mark E. McConkey, R-Freedom, moved to take the bill off the table and offered an amendment. He said the last time there was a systemwide increase to the turnpike toll was 19 years ago.
“I am sure we could all agree the cost of operations…has continued to escalate when revenue is not rising with it,” and he noted that with an enterprise fund, the state can only spend what it takes in.
The state has just completed a 10-year highway plan and there was a $400 million shortfall in projects that could not be paid for under the current income.
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McConkey said the measure would not increase tolls for New Hampshire drivers with a state license plate.
“Why don’t we ask our neighbors,” to pay a toll increase. “We are getting the best of all worlds,” by passing the bill, he said, including “protecting our residents” and having resources for improvements to the turnpike system.
Sen. Gannon, R-Sandown, asked McConkey if there are any studies on impacts near the border on businesses.
If implemented, McConkey said the state will be the 27th lowest in per mile cost still. McConkey said the bill would also increase from seven to 14 days the amount of time for those with NH license plates to pay for a toll adding there are other states that also have different rates for out-of-state users.
The Hampton toll cost would go from $2 to $3, while Hooksett and Bedford would rise from $1 to $2 for out-of-state plates.
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New Hampshire currently has the lowest rate per mile among states with tolls roads. The governor said she does not support a toll increase.
“We are not going to put a burden on drivers for a toll increase,” Ayotte said. “Families are struggling.”
WILTON, N.H. (WHDH) – A woman died in a Wilton, New Hampshire, house fire Wednesday morning, according to the New Hampshire State Fire Marshal’s Office.
At 9:08 a.m., Wilton firefighters responded to Burns Hill Road after a caller said their home was filling up with smoke. When they arrived, a single-family home was on fire and they found out two people were still inside on the second floor.
A man and a woman were both taken out of the house by firefighters and taken to Elliott Hospital. The woman was pronounced dead and the man is in serious condition.
Officials have not released the name of the victim at this time.
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At this time, investigators are looking into the cause of the fire and are trying to determine if a power outage in the area played a factor. The fire is not currently considered suspicious.
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