Winter takes toll on first responders: Accidents involving State Police cruisers up 300%

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19 State Police cruisers have been hit, 300 percent more than in 2014.
Another view of the damage to the State Police cruiser.
State Police cruiser damaged during the morning commute on Feb. 5.

CONCORD, NH – With hundreds of vehicles having crashed on New Hampshire roadways so far this winter, State Police, on behalf of first responders, would like to remind drivers of the hazards associated with driving in dangerous conditions.

 

Although many drivers have adjusted their driving appropriately for such challenging conditions, a significant number have not, resulting in property damage and injury.

In the majority of these cases, driving too fast for the road conditions was the primary cause.

In an effort to inform the public and provide a safer environment for first responders, statewide electronic message boards are being used to warn drivers of impending winter weather driving conditions both before and during storms – including such information as forecasted conditions one commute cycle in advance; (NHDOT) downgraded advisory speed limits; and real time road hazards and crash locations.

These efforts have undoubtedly reduced crashes, property damage, and injuries on roadways.  Despite that, first responders are still being hit at an unacceptable rate.

This winter the New Hampshire State Police alone have had 19 cruisers struck by other motorists, an increase of 300 percent over previous years, with a good stretch of winter driving still ahead.

  • Drive at a speed appropriate for road conditions.  Don’t jeopardize your life or the lives of others.
  • When approaching first responders reduce speed and give a wide berth, without endangering oncoming traffic, to public safety personnel, any persons in the roadway, and stationary vehicles displaying blue, red, or amber emergency or warning lights.

 

About this Author

Carol Robidoux

PublisherManchester Ink Link

Longtime NH journalist and publisher of ManchesterInkLink.com. Loves R&B, German beer, and the Queen City!