Speeders Beware — Heightened Enforcement Efforts Being Implemented

SEABROOK, NH — A large group from several law enforcement agencies gathered at the Seabrook rest area to discuss heightened enforcement efforts.

Beginning Friday, members of state, county, and local law enforcement agencies will participate in a speed enforcement initiative throughout New Hampshire. The initiative was organized by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and is being conducted on interstates and local roadways in 22 states along the East Coast, including all New England states.

New Hampshire Office of Highway Safety (NHOHS) hosted a joint news conference announcing the initiative with its partners at NHTSA, along with law enforcement representatives and highway safety officials from New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Maine, Vermont, and Connecticut.

“Speeding is a dangerous and aggressive behavior that accounts for more than one-quarter of all traffic-related fatalities nationally,” said NHTSA Regional Administrator Art Kinsman. “This is why NHTSA is working with law enforcement, the medical community, transportation officials, and many others to end speeding and to keep vehicle passengers and pedestrians safe by reminding drivers about the dangers of speeding. Speeding is illegal and endangers you, your loved ones, and even strangers. While speeding may seem like the quicker option, Speeding Catches Up With You.”

“Unfortunately, speeding drivers are continuing to pose a significant risk to safety roads across the state,” said New Hampshire Department of Safety Assistant Commissioner Eddie Edwards. “There have been costly and tragic consequences. Data shows from 2019 to 2022, 165 people were killed in crashes statewide that involved speeding. Additionally, when looking at deadly crashes that involve speeding drivers and alcohol impairment, New Hampshire had the highest percentage of any state in the nation in 2022. Nationwide, the average was 38% - New Hampshire was 63%.”

Additionally, the New Hampshire State Police are among the agencies participating in tomorrow’s enforcement initiative.

“Over the next few days, we will be adding increased enforcement efforts, including through our Special Enforcement Unit,” said State Police Lt. Christopher Storm. “State Police aircraft will monitor traffic and look for extreme and egregious violations. And, as always, State Troopers will be on the ground working diligently to enforce traffic laws and ensure compliance with commercial safety regulations.”

Since Jan. 1, Troopers in the New Hampshire State Police aircraft have observed more than 700 vehicles traveling at speeds exceeding 90 mph, including 71 traveling at speeds exceeding 100 mph.

The NHOHS offers these reminders to all drivers who use New Hampshire roads:

• Speeding is illegal and endangers you, your loved ones, and everyone else on the road.
• Speeding accounts for more than one-quarter of all traffic-related fatalities nationally.
• Speeding is a type of aggressive driving behavior.
• There are many reasons drivers choose to speed, but lateness, traffic, and a general disregard for others are the main culprits behind this risky behavior.
• Speed limits are put in place to protect everyone who uses our roads.
• When you speed, your ability to steer safely around another vehicle, a hazardous object, or an unexpected curve is reduced.
• Speed also affects your safety even when you are driving at the speed limit but too fast for road conditions, such as during bad weather, when a road is under repair, or in an area at night that isn’t well-lit.
• A common misconception is that speeding is an interstate issue. However, speeding happens—and is dangerous—on all roads.
• Even advancements in vehicle safety and passenger protection cannot keep people safe from the dangers of speeding.

Additional information is available at www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/speeding.