New Hampshire Joins NHTSA East Coast Speeding Enforcement Initiative

Photo byNHSP

SEABROOK, N.H. – On Friday, July 26, 2024, New Hampshire will participate in a major East Coast speeding enforcement initiative, joining forces with state, county, and local law enforcement agencies across 22 states. The initiative, orchestrated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), aims to curb speeding along interstates and local roadways, encompassing all New England states, according to NHSP.

The announcement came during a joint news conference held on Thursday, July 25, by the New Hampshire Office of Highway Safety (NHOHS), NHTSA, and law enforcement representatives from New Hampshire and neighboring states. The press conference, emphasizing the dangers of speeding, is available for public viewing on YouTube.

"Speeding kills—it's as simple as that," stated NHTSA Regional Administrator Art Kinsman. "Through this initiative, we want to reinforce that speeding is not only illegal but it dramatically increases the risk of fatal accidents. Remember, Speeding Catches Up With You."

Assistant Commissioner Eddie Edwards of the New Hampshire Department of Safety highlighted the grim statistics associated with speeding. "From 2019 to 2022, speeding was involved in accidents that killed 165 people statewide. More alarming, in 2022, New Hampshire recorded the highest percentage nationwide of deadly crashes involving both speeding and alcohol at 63%, compared to the national average of 38%."

The upcoming enforcement effort will see the New Hampshire State Police deploy their Special Enforcement Unit, including aircraft to monitor and identify severe speeding violations. "Our aircraft have already spotted over 700 vehicles this year traveling above 90 mph, including 71 over 100 mph," noted State Police Lt. Christopher Storm. "Our ground forces will also intensify their presence to ensure adherence to traffic laws and commercial safety regulations."

The initiative not only targets enforcement but also aims to educate the public on the risks associated with speeding. The NHOHS offers several reminders:

• Speeding endangers everyone on the road, including the driver.
• Speed limits are designed to protect all road users.
• Speeding reduces a driver's ability to navigate safely around curves or obstacles.
• The notion that speeding is an interstate-only issue is false; it is equally dangerous on local roads.

For more details on the risks of speeding and preventive measures, visit the NHTSA website at www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/speeding. The local community and visitors are urged to adhere to speed limits and drive responsibly to ensure safety for all.