Police Focus On Distracted Driving In Salem, Methuen, Mass.

SALEM, NH — Distracted driving was a focus this month as the local police conducted a special patrol targeting drivers violating cell phone usage laws. On Thursday, April 11, the Salem Police Department joined police in Methuen, Massachusetts, for the four-hour "Connect to Disconnect" patrol as part of the national distracted driving month. Methuen police issued 20 written warnings.

"This was a great example of the interstate cooperation between the Methuen and Salem police departments," said Salem police Capt. Joel Dolan. "We share a border, and it makes sense that we should work together on these initiatives to keep our communities safe."

The initiative also aimed to educate drivers about the laws. In New Hampshire, drivers are prohibited from using cell phones while driving. In Massachusetts, drivers are banned from writing, sending or reading messages, using apps or browsing the Internet while behind the wheel, even while temporarily stopped at a traffic light. Those under the age of 18 are prohibited from using cell phones in any capacity while driving in Massachusetts.

"Looking at a cell phone while driving, even for a second, is incredibly dangerous," said Methuen police Chief Joseph Solomon. "Please put these devices away, start your GPS before you begin driving and keep your eyes on the roads and hands on the wheel. Attentive driving is safe driving."

April is designated as National Distracted Driving Awareness Month by the National Safety Council. Police say that according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about nine people are killed and 1,000 are injured each day in vehicle crashes that involve a distracted driver.

The Highway Safety Division of the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security recommends that drivers do the following:

• Before driving, turn off your phone and place it where you can't reach it
• Let your friends and family know that you will be driving and cannot take their call or text
• Pull over to a safe place if you have to make a call or send a text
• Do not text and drive, browse the Internet or read email while driving in New Hampshire or Massachusetts. In New Hampshire, no phone calls are allowed either
• Start GPS navigation or review maps before you start driving
• Secure pets properly before driving so that they do not become a distraction
• Avoid drinking, eating, smoking or any other potentially distracting activities while driving