CONCORD, NH – As the Memorial Day Weekend approaches, our excitement increases… summer is finally here! NH State Police Colonel Christopher Wagner, along with the men and women of the New Hampshire State Police, hope that the citizens of New Hampshire and those visiting our great state enjoy themselves and drive safely this holiday weekend.
Our Troopers are committed to ensuring safe travels throughout the state and will continue our efforts to reduce collisions and loss of life during this upcoming weekend and throughout the summer months. We’d also like to remind motorists that the consumption of alcohol and impairing drugs, along with distracted driving just don’t mix. Saving lives on our roadways is a top priority and we need everyone’s help to do it. This is why the State Police is joining with other state, local, and county safety officials to remind everyone of some simple steps they can take to enjoy a safe and joyous holiday weekend without jeopardizing their life and the lives of others who may also be on the roadways:
- Plan a safe way home BEFORE the festivities begin;
- BEFORE drinking, please designate a sober driver and give that person your keys;
- If you’re impaired, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation so you aresure to get home safely;
- Use your community’s Sober Rides program where available;
- If you happen to see a drunk driver on the road, don’t hesitate to call 911;
- And remember, if you know someone who is about to drive or ride while impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get to where they’re going safely.
Additionally, we ask for the motoring public’s help in keeping our roadways safe; RSA 265:37-a, Motorist Duties When Approaching Highway Emergencies (commonly referred to as the ‘Move Over Law’).
- 265:37- a, Motorist Duties When Approaching Highway Emergencies. – When in or approaching an incident involving a fire, collision, disaster, or other emergency resulting in partial or complete blockage of a highway, or a location where a police officer has made a traffic stop, every driver other than the driver of an emergency response vehicle, shall:
- Maintain a reduced speed.
II. Obey the directions of any authorized person directing traffic and of all applicable emergency signals and traffic control devices.
III. Vacate as soon as possible any lane wholly or partially blocked.
IV. 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.
Driving a vehicle while impaired is not worth the risk of killing yourself or someone else. Don’t let this holiday weekend or your summer end in an arrest…or even worse…….a tragic death.
Please: Buckle Up… don’t mix alcohol and impairing drugs with driving; Don’t Drive Distracted; and simply Slow Down.