For Immediate Release

Thursday, Aug. 4, 2016

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Bedford Police Announce Intensive Traffic Enforcement Program in Wake of Recent Crashes

BEDFORD, N.H. — Chief John Bryfonski and the Bedford Police Department urge motorists to slow down and obey speed limits and traffic regulations in the town of Bedford in the wake of several recent motor vehicle crashes that have resulted in multiple losses of life in the past month.

The Bedford Police Department will be increasing patrols in the areas of Route 101 and South River Road and officers will aggressively cite drivers who fail to heed this warning.

“There will be zero tolerance for speeding, distracted driving, aggressive driving, and driving under the influence,” Chief Bryfonski said. “We are not out there to ruin your day; we are out there to save your life. The Bedford Police Department is committed to preventing further loss of life on our roadways.”

Due to the high volume of traffic on both roads, officers are encouraging drivers to allow extra time to travel to their destinations.

On Friday, July 29, officers responded to a fatal crash at 366 South River Road where the driver was charged with multiple felonies for driving under the influence. The next day, a fatal motorcycle collision occurred on Route 101. The following week, Bedford Police responded to a five-car crash on Route 101 that left four injured and closed the roadway during morning rush hour traffic.

The Bedford Police Department encourages drivers to be mindful of the following safety tips as they get behind the wheel:

• Never text and drive. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that the average text takes your eyes off the road for five seconds. While traveling at 55 miles per hour, that’s enough time to cover the length of a football field blindfolded. Engaging in tasks like reaching for your phone, dialing and texting increases the risk of getting into a crash threefold. Put your phones down.

• Never get behind the wheel if you’ve been drinking, and don’t get in a vehicle with an impaired driver. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2013, 10,076 people were killed in alcohol-impaired driving crashes, accounting for nearly one-third (31 percent) of all traffic-related deaths in the United States.

• Obey speed limits. Speeding is a major contributor to motor vehicle accidents and fatal car crashes. Don’t feel pressured to speed to keep up with traffic or friends on the road. Also, speeding tickets are often pricey and will result in an increase on your insurance premium.

• Be a defensive driver. Remain cognizant of the traffic ahead, behind, and next to you at all times. Stay at least one car length behind the car in front of you, especially in areas where the speed limit is slower. Remember to share the road with bikers on side streets, even if sharrows are not marked. Turn your headlights on to increase visibility.

• Plan ahead and budget time. Factor in time for traffic on major roads in Bedford as you travel from place to place.

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