Addressing the Dangers & Costs of Reckless Driving in New Hampshire

On June 6, 2024, at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway, NHADA alongside key state officials, safety advocates, and other coalition members united to tackle the urgent issue of dangerous and irresponsible driving on New Hampshire's roadways. The event aimed to promote safer driving habits among Granite State residents and visitors and was part of a week-long campaign focused on raising awareness about the dangers of high-speed and unsafe driving.

Governor Chris Sununu emphasizes the critical need for this initiative. “This summer, let’s leave the high speeds on the track,” said Governor Chris Sununu. “It’s on all of us to do our part by driving safely and taking it slow!”

Insurance Commissioner DJ Bettencourt spoke about the financial implications for drivers. “Speeding tickets and accidents don't just result in fines and costly repairs, they lead to higher insurance premiums for everyone,” said Commissioner Bettencourt. “By driving responsibly, we can all contribute to a safer and more affordable environment on our roads.”

L to R: Traci Beaurivage, New Hampshire Motorcyclists’ Rights Organization, Daniel Goodman, AAA of Northern New England, Department of Safety Commissioner Robert Quinn, Daniel Bennett, New Hampshire Automobile Dealers Association

Department of Safety Commissioner Robert Quinn highlighted the collaborative efforts of various departments in tackling this issue. “Ensuring road safety is a shared responsibility,” said Commissioner Quinn. “Our department, along with our partners here today, is dedicated to reducing the incidents of reckless driving through education and enforcement. Together, we can make New Hampshire’s roads safer for everyone.”

Colonel Mark Hall of the New Hampshire State Police emphasized the critical role of law enforcement in promoting road safety. “The New Hampshire State Police are dedicated to ensuring the safety of everyone on New Hampshire’s roadways,” said Colonel Hall. “Every time a driver chooses to speed or drive recklessly, they endanger everyone around them. Aggressive and reckless driving are serious threats that we must address through strict enforcement and public education.”

David McGrath, Executive Vice President and General Manager of New Hampshire Motor Speedway, emphasized the importance of distinguishing between safe driving on public roads and high-speed driving on the track. “At New Hampshire Motor Speedway, we understand the thrill of high-speed driving, but it's essential to keep those speeds on the track where it's safe and controlled,” said McGrath. “Our mission is to provide a safe environment for high-speed driving. High-speed driving has its place, and it's on a racetrack, not on New Hampshire’s highways and streets.”

Daniel Goodman of AAA Northern New England stressed the importance of public awareness. “Public awareness campaigns like this are vital,” said Mr. Goodman. “They remind us that every time we get behind the wheel, we have a responsibility to drive safely. The risks of aggressive driving are too great to ignore, and we must all do our part to make the roads safer.” 

Chris Cyr, CEO of Team O'Neil Rally School, emphasized the importance of context for safe driving. “There is a time and place for high-speed driving and risky maneuvers, and that's on a closed track, not on public roads,” said Cyr. “At Team O'Neil, we teach drivers how to handle their vehicles safely in controlled environments. By preparing drivers through training and education you make them aware of the risks involved and how to avoid accidents through their driving and decision making.” 

Daniel Bennett, President of the New Hampshire Automobile Dealers Association, highlighted the motor vehicle industry's role in promoting road safety. “The NH Auto Dealers Association is committed to safe roads in NH,” said Bennett. “Safe driving is about responsibility and respect for all road users. Together, we hope to inspire positive changes in driving habits that will benefit everyone on the road. Unsafe speeds and driving are also an employment issue: if a driver is uninsurable, they may also be unemployable in our industry, which has workforce needs.”

Traci Beaurivage, President of the New Hampshire Motorcyclists’ Rights Organization, emphasized the need for heightened awareness and cooperation on the roads. “Reckless driving affects us all, but motorcyclists often bear the brunt of these dangerous behaviors,” said Beaurivage. “Respect on the road starts with each one of us. By driving safely, and avoiding reckless speeds and aggressive behaviors, we can help reduce accidents and ensure that everyone gets home safely.”

Across the entire state in 2023, data from the New Hampshire Department of Safety’s Division of Motor Vehicles showed 116 people were given tickets for driving 100-109 mph, while another 10 people were ticketed for driving 110-120 mph. State officials also shared recent statistics on driver behavior on Interstate 95 and Interstate 93, where aircraft patrols are commonly deployed:

• In 2015, state police made 5,018 stops, 359 for driving 90-plus miles per hour, and 23 for driving 100-plus mph.
• In 2020, they made 5,025 stops, 900 for 90-plus, and 81 for 100-plus.
• In 2023, they made 3,115 stops, 840 for 90-plus, and 89 for 100-plus.

The percentage of excessive-speed drivers among those who were stopped on the two interstates has increased significantly over the years. In 2015, that percentage was 7.6%. In 2020, it was 19.5%. In 2023, it was 29.8%.

|The press conference underscored the message that reckless driving behaviors such as speeding not only jeopardize the safety of all road users but also have significant financial repercussions. Attendees were reminded that safe driving is a collective effort that benefits everyone.

A high-definition, broadcast-quality video of the press conference can be viewed above. Follow our campaign on social media using the hashtag #DriveSafeNH to learn more about how you can contribute to making New Hampshire's roads safer. 

The New Hampshire Insurance Department Can Help
The New Hampshire Insurance Department’s mission is to promote and protect the public good by ensuring the existence of a safe and competitive insurance marketplace through the development and enforcement of the insurance laws of the State of New Hampshire. Contact us with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your insurance coverage at 1‐800‐ 852‐3416 or (603) 271‐2261, or by email at consumerservices@ins.nh.gov. For more information, visit nh.gov/insurance.

About the New Hampshire Department of Safety
The Department of Safety has more than 2,200 full-time, part-time, non-classified, and seasonal employees functioning in both uniformed and civilian capacities throughout the state, and regularly partners with local, state, and federal agencies to protect the lives of all New Hampshire residents and visitors. The Department of Safety is tasked with enforcing criminal, motor vehicle, and boating laws, and providing for fire safety, fire, and emergency medical training, emergency communications, and disaster planning. To contact the Department of Safety, call (603) 271-2791, or email us at nhdos@dos.nh.gov. For more information, visit dos.nh.gov.