Safe Driving this Summer

Exeter, NH - July 19th, 2024: We’ve seen an alarming death toll on our roadways in recent days that should give us pause. Nearly a dozen people have been killed in crashes around New Hampshire in less than a week, and while none of these occurred in Exeter, this is a sobering statistic and a reminder about the dangers we all face on our highways and local streets.

The causes of these crashes and the circumstances surrounding them are being investigated by various agencies, but we would like to take a moment to emphasize the importance of safe driving habits to protect yourselves and others on our roads.

The Exeter Police Department regularly takes advantage of grant-funded traffic enforcement campaigns that allow us to increase our efforts to target speeding, driving under the influence, and distracted driving – all of which are common causes of vehicle crashes. Our officers also plan to participate in an upcoming state initiative through the New Hampshire Office of Highway Safety that will be focused on routes leading to Interstate 95 later this month.

While the number of deaths we’ve seen here in New Hampshire in recent days is startling, statistics show traffic fatalities were down last year, decreasing from 146 in 2022 to 129 in 2023. However, the New Hampshire Office of Highway Safety reports that 2023 was the deadliest year for motorcyclists in New Hampshire in nearly two decades.

One death is too many. We encourage all drivers to be responsible and follow the rules of the road. The following are safety messages we’ve relayed before, but they’re worth repeating.

• Pay attention
• Watch your speed
• Put your phones away
• Don’t drink and drive

Safe driving should be your No. 1 concern whenever you get behind the wheel or climb onto a motorcycle.